Production and properties of Cu/Cr2O3 nano-composites

Abstract

Cu/Cr2O3 nano-composites have high potential for structural and electrical applications in which enhanced mechanical characteristics are required. In this research, nano-composite specimens containing different amounts of Cr2O3, with Cr content of 1–3wt.%, were produced by in-situ oxidation of Cu–Cr alloyed powders during sintering. X-ray diffraction test was carried out to analyze the progress of mechanical alloying and detection of probable Cr2O3 particles formed due to internal oxidation during sintering. The morphology of milled powders was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Physical and mechanical property results of nano-composite specimens indicate the density, specific electrical resistivity, hardness and wear rate values alternation with amount of Cr2O3 in Cu matrix, which in turn is related to specimen Cr content.