SYNTHESIS OF Cu–Al2O3 METAL MATRIX NANOCOMPOSITE POWDER FROM CuO AND Al POWDERS BY USING HIGH ENERGY PLANETARY FAST MILLING

Abstract

Cu–Al2O3 metal matrix nanocomposite powder has been synthesized from CuO and Al powders using high energy planetary fast milling. Mechanical alloying was used to produce 20% Vol. Alumina as a reinforcement phase in copper matrix. Reactive milling between Cu ( Al ) solid solution and CuO powders lead to formation of Cu–Al2O3 metal matrix composite. To obtain Cu ( Al ) solid solution, Cu and Al powders with Cu:Al atomic ratio of six were mechanically alloyed for 50 h. XRD analysis showed that during the reaction of Cu ( Al ) solid solution and CuO , Al solute is extracted from Cu ( Al ) solid solution and reacted with oxygen of CuO to form alumina particles while copper turning back to pure Cu . Presence of alumina particles with sizes smaller than 50 nm was observed in TEM micrographs.