The homogeneous graphite-copper composites(10%C/Cu,mass fraction)and 2-layer gradient graphite-copper composites(7%C/Cu-10%C/Cu)were prepared by powder metallurgy,the effects of gradient layers on physical properties and the tribological properties of the graphite-copper composites were investigated,and the mechanism of friction and wear was analyzed.The results show that both the densities and electrical conductivity of the gradient composites are significantly improved compared with those of the homogeneous composites.At normal loads of 24,26 and 30 N,the wear rates of gradient composites are reduced by 8.24%,12.10%and 11.30%,respectively,compared with that of homogeneous composites;the average friction factor and wear rate of gradient and homogeneous materials increase with the increase of load;the depth and width of the abrasion marks and the extrusion height of the gradient composites are smaller than that of homogeneous composites,and increase with the increase of load.The depth,width and material extrusion height of the gradient composites are smaller than those of the homogeneous composites and increase with the increase of load.The wear mechanism of the two composites is mainly based on abrasive wear,supplemented by oxidative wear and adhesive wear.