Microstructure and properties of Mo–Cu alloys produced by powder metallurgy

Abstract

The microstructure and the mechanical properties of Mo–Cu alloys fabricated by mechanical alloying and vacuum sintering from mixed elemental powders were investigated. The activating element of Fe improved the Archimedes density of the Mo–20 (wt-%)–Cu alloy. The results showed that the Mo–20Cu alloy with 0·7 wt-% Fe content had a higher comprehensive relative density. The average particle size of the composite powder reached 1·5 μm after 6 hours milling, which was homogeneous and fine. For the powders milled for 6 hours, the density, hardness and transverse compressive strength of the alloys were the highest at 7·6 g cm⁻³, HRA57 and 31 kN, respectively.

Keywords:

• Powder metallurgy
• Mo–Cu alloy
• Mechanical properties
• Microstructure