Microstructure and mechanical properties of copper matrix composites synergistically reinforced by Al2O3 and CNTs

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe experiment was carried out by high-energy ball milling method to prepare Al2O3/CNTs/Cu composite powder, the microstructure properties of the composite powders were studied by changing the addition of alumina oxide (aluminum oxide, Al2O3) and carbon nanotubes (carbon nanotubes, CNTs). The results of the study showed us that Al2O3 particles of different mass fraction and CNTs can be as the reinforcement to be added to the copper based composites materials, due to the synergistic effect between Al2O3 and CNTs, the mechanical properties of composites materials is further improved. After the high-energy ball milling Al2O3 evenly distributed between the copper layers, CNTs in the copper layer between the formation of a special “bridge” structure. When the addition amount of Al2O3 and CNTs is 0.5%, the material forming pressure of 70Mpa, the tensile strength of Al2O3/CNTs/Cu composites reach to 335.81 MPa, which is 150% higher than the tensile strength of pure copper; which is 43% higher than single reinforced copper based composites by Al2O3.