Use of Mechanical Alloying for Production of MMC with Nanodiamond Reinforcements

Abstract

Studies on the development of copper matrix composites with nanodiamond reinforcements have been carried out. The following process scheme was used: mechanical alloying of the initial components in planetary mills to produce granules of composite materials followed by compaction of the granules into bulk material. The studies have shown an increased oxidation of composite during its contact with air at a high content of nanodiamond reinforcing particles and small treatment time. Herewith, copper(I) oxide is mainly formed. As copper(I) oxide is toxic for marine organisms, it is suggested to use the obtained material for protection of marine facilities from biofouling. An increased treatment time leads to a uniform distribution of reinforcing particles in the matrix; no increased oxidation is observed. This material can be used for electronic packaging and to increase the wear resistance of articles.

Keywords:

• Nanodiamonds
• copper matrix
• mechanical alloying

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to T. Sagalova for her assistance in the X-ray phase analysis and to A. Prosviryakov for his help in the determination of the mechanical properties.