Abstract
In situ chemical reaction method was used to synthesize Cu-ZrO2 nanocomposite powders. The process was carried out by addition of NH4(OH) to certain amount of dispersed Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and ZrOCl2·8H2O solution. Afterwards, a thermal treatment at 650 °C for 1 h was conducted to get the powders of CuO and ZrO2 and remove the remaining liquid. The CuO was then reduced in preferential hydrogen atmosphere into copper. The powders were cold pressed at a pressure of 600 MPa and sintered in a hydrogen atmosphere at 950 °C for 2 h. The structure and characteristics were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the nanosized ZrO2 particles (with a diameter of about 30-50 nm) was successfully formed and dispersed within the copper matrix. The density, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength measurements (compression strength and Vickers microhardness) and wear properties of Cu-ZrO2 nanocomposite were investigated. Increment in the weight % of ZrO2 nano-particles up to 10 wt.% in the samples, caused the reduction in the densification (7.2%) and electrical conductivity (53.8%) of the nanocomposites. The highest microhardness (146.5 HV) and compressive strength (474.5 MPa) of the nanocomposites is related to the Cu-10 wt.% ZrO2. Owing to the good interfacial bonding between uniformly dispersed ZrO2 nanoparticles and the copper matrix. The abrasive wear rate of the Cu-ZrO2 nanocomposite increased with the increasing load or sliding velocity and is always lower than that of copper at any load or any velocity.
Highlights
Nano-sized ceramic particles in a nanocrystalline metal matrix prepared by the in situ chemical reaction can improve the mechanical, tribological, and anti-corrosion properties of the metal[1,2,3,4,5]
Based on the above research work, the present study aims at producing homogeneous Cu-ZrO2 composites from chemically prepared CuO-ZrO2 mixtures and investigate the effect of ZrO2 on the crystallite size, particle size and morphology of the obtained powder
The sharp X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks on the pattern correspond to Cu phase and the low intensity ones could be attributed to tetragonal ZrO2 phase
Summary
Nano-sized ceramic particles in a nanocrystalline metal matrix prepared by the in situ chemical reaction can improve the mechanical, tribological, and anti-corrosion properties of the metal[1,2,3,4,5]. Combustion chamber liners, the electrode of resistance welding, integrated circuit sealing materials, high voltage switches and heat exchangers are examples of copper based materials' applications These applications require a suitable performance, e.g. high conductivity and excellent mechanical properties, at elevated temperatures and in electronic industries[10,11,12,13,14]. Based on the above research work, the present study aims at producing homogeneous Cu-ZrO2 composites from chemically prepared CuO-ZrO2 mixtures and investigate the effect of ZrO2 on the crystallite size, particle size and morphology of the obtained powder. Their effect on microstructure, and relative density of sintered compacted samples were studied. Electrical conductivity, mechanical and abrasive wear properties of resulting nanocomposites were studied
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