Sintered Materials Based on Copper and Alumina Powders Synthesized by a Novel Method

Abstract

Synthesis of nanocomposite Cu-Al2O3 powder suitable for obtaining multiple strengthened systems could be successfully performed by combination of the thermo-chemical procedure and the mechanical alloying. To optimize the whole scope of properties that are expected from these materials, the combination of thermo-chemical procedures and the procedure of mechanical alloying is a completely new approach to the synthesis of powders. Thus obtained powders allow obtaining the final product with the excellent effects of strengthening. Presented results show possibility of usage composite powders based on copper and alumina synthesized by novel method for production of compacts with suitable properties for exploitation at elevated temperatures, i.e. increased hardness with electrical conductivity appropriate for oxide dispersion strengthened copper alloys intended for application at elevated temperatures. Achieved values after thermo-mechanical treatment for hardness are 57HRF and for electrical conductivity 61%IACS. Limitation for dispersoide content is 1wt. %, due to the decomposition of compacts with higher Al2O3 content during mechanical processing. Increased Al2O3 content could be achieved by using hot extrusion process.