Investigation into the Peculiarities of Structure Formation and Properties of Copper-Based Powder Pseudoalloys Modified by ZnO and TiN Nanoparticle Additives

Abstract

Comprehensive investigations into Cu–ZnO (nano) and Cu–TiN (nano) copper-based materials by standard methods in combination with metallographic and electron microscopy investigations using energy-dispersive and thermal analyses make it possible to identify stable correlation relations between the content of nanoparticle additives, microstructural parameters, and mechanical-and-physical properties of pseudoalloys. Process procedures of increasing the distribution uniformity of modifying additives of ZnO and TiN nanoparticles over the pseudoalloy bulk excluding their conglomeration are developed and substantiated. Novel original methods of nanoparticle introducing into a matrix material in the form of a master alloy made of Cu–Al–ZnO or copper powders coated with TiN nanoparticles are proposed. A high specific surface and reactivity of nanopowders make it possible to lower the ceramic phase in electrocontact materials (down to 2.0–3.0% instead of 10–15% when compared with known commercial brands). This results in the conservation of the main properties characteristic of the matrix material (copper) such as thermal and electrical conductivity at a rather high level, while the general level of physicomechanical characteristics (hardness, strength, and wear resistance) and operational properties of composite pseudoalloys simultaneously increases. The main characteristics of copper-based composite materials are as follows: electrical resistance (ρ = 0.025 μΩ m), bonding strength to the contact support material (σ ~ 2 MPa), and dispersed ceramic phase inclusions. They reduce the electroerosive wear (up to a factor of 2.5) when compared with conventional materials.