Analytical modeling of the electrical conductivity of metal matrix composites: application to Ag–Cu and Cu–Nb

Abstract

Modeling the electrical conductivity of composite materials is a complex matter, particularly if microstructural features lead to a size effect in electronic conduction or create an anisotropy. The method described in this article accounts for these circumstances by incorporation of appropriate phenomenological models. It provides a means to analyze and estimate the resistive behavior of two-phase or multi-phase micro-composites and nano-composites. A comparison with experimental data is carried out for two high-strength conductors, Ag–Cu and Cu–Nb, both of which have undergone extensive quantitative microstructure analysis to provide the required input for the model.