Fractural analysis, microstructural, mechanical and tribological behaviour of vanadium trioxide-reinforced copper metal matrix composite by ultrasonic-assisted stir casting technique

Abstract

In this work, pure copper is reinforced with vanadium trioxide (V2O3) at various weight percentages, such as Cu–0.5V2O3, Cu–1V2O3, Cu–1.5V2O3, and Cu–2V2O3. This copper metal matrix composite (CMMC) with primary copper element and secondary V2O3 is fabricated through an ultrasonic-assisted stir casting technique. The uniform distribution of secondary particles is achieved using ultrasonic waves generated by the probe and mechanical stirrer. The characterization of developed CMMC is done by X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The samples are subjected to grain measurement using an optical microscope, which showed the relationship between grain size and enhancement of mechanical properties. The fabricated samples are also subjected to mechanical testing to determine their tensile strength, ultimate strength, Vickers hardness and impact strength. Fractography is also done by using a scanning electron microscope to understand the mechanism for the failure of tensile specimens. Dry sliding wear behaviour is also carried out to determine the wear resistance of CMMC. The results of numerous experiments showed that the grain size of CMMC improved with V2O3 addition. The increased strength-to-weight ratio leads to obtaining better properties at low cost. The enhancement in wear behaviour and mechanical properties of CMMC also paves the way for a newly developed material with V2O3 as secondary reinforcement along with copper as the primary element to be used in various applications.