The Effect of Adding SiC on Some of the Mechanical Properties of the Cu-Al2O3 System Using Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

Powder metallurgy is one of the simple ways employed to produce alloys that are used in many technological applications. In the recent work, different contents (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of silicon carbide (≥ 63μm) were used as a reinforcement material on matrix ((90, 85, 80, 75 and 70) % Cu-10% Nano-Al2O3). The mixture was milled by a locally made mill for three consecutive times (2, 4 and 6) hours. After that, a compressor with the highest compaction capacity (20 tons) was used to compact the mixture. The mixture was compacted in a steel die through applying pressure of 5 tons for one minute. After sintering samples at 900°C for two hours, mechanical tests including Vickers hardness, diametric compressive strength and wear were applied as a function of the grinding time. The results showed that the best hardness of (119.4 Hv) is reached for the grinding time of six hours and the reinforcement of (20% SiC), while the highest compressive strength was obtained for same time of grinding with a reinforcement of (53.3 Mpa). Concerning the rate of wear, its value decreased to the lowest value at the same conditions above (1.10368*10-7 g/cm). Accordingly, the best characteristic parameters of the results appeared at 900°C, the grinding time of six hours, and reinforcement content of 20%.