Densification and microstructure studies of Mo-30–40 wt% Cu nanocomposites prepared through chemical route

Abstract

Mo-30–40 wt% Cu nanocomposites with average size lower than 50 nm were synthesized using molybdenum hexacarbonyl, Mo(CO)6 and copper acetonyl acetonate, [Cu(acac)2] as metal precursors. Compositional analysis of Mo-Cu nanocomposites was performed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The Mo-Cu composites were sintered using spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction studies of as-prepared powders showed amorphous Mo-phase and FCC Cu-phase, while sintered Mo-Cu composites exhibited crystalline BCC Mo and FCC Cu-phase become sharper. The effect of sintering temperature on relative density and mechanical properties of Mo-Cu sintered compacts was investigated. Relative density in excess of 98% were achieved for Mo-30–40 wt% Cu composites on spark plasma sintering at 1000 °C for 30 min. Vickers hardness of 653 ± 10 and 587 ± 8 Hv were achieved for Mo-30 wt% Cu and Mo-40 wt% Cu composite compacts respectively. Mo-30 wt% Cu and Mo-40 wt% Cu composites exhibit thermal conductivity of 182.5 and 224.6 W.m−1. K−1, respectively. The friction coefficient of Mo-Cu composites decreased with an increase in Cu content.