This study aims to exfoliate the molybdenum disulfide to flakes and use it in strengthening copper matrix to reduce the rate of mechanical wear and reduce the coefficient of friction, consequently increasing the life of copper composites that are used as self-lubricating bushings. Three samples by mixing for 15 hrs were prepared: pure copper, copper with 10% alumina, and copper with a mixture of alumina and molybdenum disulfide in a ratio of 1:1 (Cu, Cu/10 Al2O3, and Cu/ hybrid (10 Al2O3-10

more »

... )). Before adding the hybrid of alumina/MoS2 with copper, they were mixed for 40 hrs to peel the molybdenum disulfide and cover the alumina particles with it. The Hot-pressing method was used to manufacture prepared samples. The crystal structure of the compositions, microstructure, density, and Raman spectra have been studied. Mechanical properties, including hardness, mechanical wear rate, and coefficient of friction, were investigated for the fabricated pieces. The mixing for 15 hrs improves the exfoliation of the MoS2 flakes inside the copper matrix. The hardness measurements showed a clear improvement by adding alumina and the mixture of alumina/MoS2. The copper sample reinforced with the hybrid of alumina/MoS2 gave the lowest mechanical wear rate and the lowest average friction coefficient of 0.17.