Analysis of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Bi-Modal Nanoparticle-Reinforced Cu-Matrix

Bi-modal particles are used as reinforcements for Cu-matrix. Nano TiC and/or Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> were mechanically mixed with Cu particles for 24 h. The Cu-TiC/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> composites were successfully produced using spark plasma...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fadel S. Hamid, Omayma A. Elkady, A. R. S. Essa, A. El-Nikhaily, Ayman Elsayed, Ashraf K. Eessaa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
Series:Crystals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/11/9/1081
Description
Summary:Bi-modal particles are used as reinforcements for Cu-matrix. Nano TiC and/or Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> were mechanically mixed with Cu particles for 24 h. The Cu-TiC/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> composites were successfully produced using spark plasma sintering (SPS). To investigate the effect of TiC and Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-TiC/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanocomposites, they were added, whether individually or combined, to the copper (Cu) matrix at 3, 6, and 9 wt.%. The results showed that titanium carbide was homogeneously distributed in the copper matrix, whereas alumina nanoparticles showed some agglomeration at Cu grain boundaries. The crystallite size exhibited a clear reduction as a reaction to the increase of the reinforcement ratio. Furthermore, increasing the TiC and Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticle content in the Cu-TiC/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> composites reduced the relative density from 95% for Cu-1.5 wt.% TiC and 1.5 wt.% Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to 89% for Cu-4.5 wt.% TiC and 4.5 wt.% Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. Cu-9 wt.% TiC achieved a maximum compressive strength of 851.99 N/mm<sup>2</sup>. Hardness values increased with increasing ceramic content.
ISSN:2073-4352