Strengthening Mechanisms on (Cu–10Zn)100−x–x wt% Al2O3 (x = 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12) Nanocomposites Prepared by Mechanical Alloying and Vacuum Hot Pressing: Influence of Reinforcement Content

Abstract

In the present research work, novel (Cu–10Zn)100−x–x wt% Al2O3 (x = 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12) nanocomposites were manufactured by mechanical alloying process and vacuum hot-pressing technique. As-sintered hot pressed samples exhibited crystallite size of 280, 230, 184, 152 and 122 nm with properties of nano-alumina particles which were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The influence of nano ceramic alumina content in Cu–10Zn nanocrystallite matrix on mechanical behavior was investigated by simple uniaxial compression test. The examination of compressive results revealed that (Cu–10Zn)94–6%Al2O3 nanocomposite was more work hardening than others. Several strengthening mechanisms, namely, particle strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, solid solution strengthening and dislocation–dislocation interactions were quantitatively estimated and correlated with measured compression strength results. It was found that the grain size and dispersion strengthenings contributed significantly to the total strength.