Effect of Milling Speed on the Synthesis of In-Situ Cu-25 Vol. % WC Nanocomposite by Mechanical Alloying

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the effect of milling speed on the synthesis of Cu-WC nanocomposites by mechanical alloying (MA). The Cu-WC nanocomposite with nominal composition of 25 vol.% of WC was produced in-situ via MA from elemental powders of copper (Cu), tungsten (W), and graphite (C). These powders were milled in the high-energy “Pulverisette 6” planetary ball mill according to composition Cu-34.90 wt% W-2.28 wt% C. The powders were milled in different milling speed; 400 rpm, 500 rpm, and 600 rpm. The milling process was conducted under argon atmosphere by using a stainless steel vial and 10 mm diameter of stainless steel balls, with ball-to-powder weight ratio (BPR) 10:1. The as-milled powders were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD result showed the formation of W2C phase after milling for 400 rpm and as the speed increased, the peak was broadened. No WC phase was detected after milling. Increasing the milling speed resulted in smaller crystallite size of Cu and proven to be in nanosized. Based on SEM result, higher milling speed leads to the refinement of hard W particles in the Cu matrix. Up to the 600 rpm, the unreacted W particles still existed in the matrix showing 20 hours milling time was not sufficient to completely dissolve the W.