Microstructure and mechanical properties of copper matrix composites synergistically reinforced by Al₂O₃ and CNTs

ABSTRACT

The experiment was carried out by high-energy ball milling method to prepare Al₂O₃/CNTs/Cu composite powder, the microstructure properties of the composite powders were studied by changing the addition of alumina oxide (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) and carbon nanotubes (carbon nanotubes, CNTs). The results of the study showed us that Al₂O₃ particles of different mass fraction and CNTs can be as the reinforcement to be added to the copper based composites materials, due to the synergistic effect between Al₂O₃ and CNTs, the mechanical properties of composites materials is further improved. After the high-energy ball milling Al₂O₃ evenly distributed between the copper layers, CNTs in the copper layer between the formation of a special “bridge” structure. When the addition amount of Al₂O₃ and CNTs is 0.5%, the material forming pressure of 70Mpa, the tensile strength of Al₂O₃/CNTs/Cu composites reach to 335.81 MPa, which is 150% higher than the tensile strength of pure copper; which is 43% higher than single reinforced copper based composites by Al₂O₃.

KEYWORDS:

• Al₂O₃
• CNTs
• copper matrix composites
• high energy ball milling
• microstructure and mechanical properties

Funding

The authors appreciate the financial support from Program for Innovative Research Team (in Science and Technology) in University of Yunnan Province (No. 14051693) and Applied Basic Research on CNTs Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (No. 2014FC001).

Additional information

Funding

Applied Basic Research on CNTs Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites [2014FC001]; Program for Innovative Research Team in University of Yunnan Province [14051693].