Effect of the Fabrication Technique on Compressive Properties of Cu-PTFE Composites

In this paper, the effect of manufacturing methods on the compressive properties of Cu-PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) composites was investigated. Two types of specimens were prepared through different manufacturingmethods (extrusion forming and hot-press sintering). -e specimens were tested using an electrohydraulic press and split-Hopkinson pressure bars for quasistatic loading and dynamic impact, respectively. -e specific fracture processes were recorded by using a high-speed camera, and the failure microstructures of the specimens were analysed by SEM. According to the results, hot-press sintered specimens have consistently higher strength and toughness under dynamic compression than the extruded specimens, while the mechanical properties of hot-press sintered specimens are inferior to those of extruded specimens under quasi-static compression.-e failure of extruded specimens is primarily caused by the elastic mismatch between the PTFE matrix and Cu particles, as well as the polymerisation of plastic pores, which leads to particle pullout. However, the cracks in the hot-press sintered specimens were caused by the shear deformation and interface sliding of the PTFE matrix, which led to matrix tearing.