Investigation of characteristics of Cu based, Co-CrC reinforced composites produced by powder metallurgy method

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the contribution of Co and CrC reinforcement particles to Cu main matrix powders by powder metallurgy (P/M) method as well as to mechanical properties, abrasion resistance and microstructure properties. For this purpose, the matrix material Cu powders, Co and CrC reinforcement particles, of which the weight percents are as follows: 5% (2% Co + 3% CrC), 10% (4% Co + 6% CrC) and 15% (6% Co + 9% CrC), were added. The samples were produced by cold pressing at room temperature and 450 MPa pressure, using the P/M method. Microstructure characterization of composite samples was performed by SEM-EDS and XRD analysis. Mechanical characterization of composite samples was carried out by analyzing the data of density determinations, hardness measurements, abrasion resistance tests and tensile tests. As a result of this study, it was observed that as the reinforcement ratio increased, the relative density of the samples decreased while the hardness of the samples increased. As a result of the findings obtained from the analysis of the tensile tests and other tests performed, it was clearly seen that the reinforcement particle ratio of wt. 10% was the optimum reinforcement ratio for this study.