Metal Matrix Composites from Powder Mixtures of Copper, Tungsten, Aluminum and Nanodiamonds

Abstract

Composites are versatile materials owing to their extensive possibilities of improving mechanical properties by distinct matrix reinforcements. In particular, it has been shown that diamonds are very effective reinforcement for metal matrix composites (MMC). In this work, the properties and microstructure of plain Al matrix composites reinforced with up to 50 wt.% of nanodiamonds as well as Cu, W, Al MMCs reinforced with 1% nanodiamonds were investigated. Composites were fabricated by processing metallic powders of Cu, W and Al as well as nanodiamond particles at sintering conditions of 2 GPa of pressure and 700°C for times up to 5 minutes. As compared to the other nanodiamond reinforced MMCs, the investigated composite presented improved microhardness and reduced wear in abrasive tests.