Mechanical alloying process and mechanical properties of Cu–SiCp composite

Abstract

A composite of copper powder and SiC particle reinforcement was prepared by mechanical ball milling and subsequent sintering. Proper choice of processing parameters ensured a homogenous distribution of SiC particles in the copper matrix. Microstructure, powder morphology and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated as a function of milling time. With increasing milling time, the dentritic copper powder became flattened, which subsequently became spherical shaped. Mechanical properties of the composites change with the distribution of SiC.