The Influence of the Particle Size on the Adhesion Between Ceramic Particles and Metal Matrix in MMC Composites

Dariusz M Jarzabek,Agata Strojny-Nedza,Marcin Chmielewski,Judyta Dulnik

doi:10.1007/s11665-016-2107-3

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of the particle size on the adhesion force between ceramic particles and metal matrix in ceramic-reinforced metal matrix composites. The Cu-Al2O3 composites with 5 vol.% of ceramic phase were prepared by a powder metallurgy process. Alumina oxide powder as an electrocorundum (Al2O3) powder with different particle sizes, i.e., fine powder <3 µm and coarse powder of 180 µm was used as a reinforcement. Microstructural investigations included analyses using scanning electron microscopy with an integrated EDS microanalysis system and transmission microscopy. In order to measure the adhesion force (interface strength), we prepared the microwires made of the investigated materials and carried out the experiments with the use of the self-made tensile tester. We have observed that the interface strength is higher for the sample with coarse particles and is equal to 74 ± 4 MPa and it is equal to 68 ± 3 MPa for the sample with fine ceramic particles.

Highlights

Metal-ceramic composites (MMCs) combine properties of metal and ceramic materials and provide improved performance compared to their constituent phases
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination has revealed a homogeneous distribution of the ceramic phase in the composite
A good quality bonding was observed between the copper matrix and the ceramic reinforcement, especially for the samples made with the coarse alumina powder

Summary

Introduction

Metal-ceramic composites (MMCs) combine properties of metal and ceramic materials and provide improved performance compared to their constituent phases. Their properties can be tailored to targeted applications by varying the volume fractions and the properties of the matrix as well as the type, shape, size, orientation, and distribution of the reinforcement and by controlling the reinforcement/matrix adhesion level (Ref [1, 2]). Other factors include mutual solubility of components of the composite, the wettability of ceramics by liquid metals, thermal residual stress generated in a given material as a result of differences in thermal and mechanical properties of metals and ceramics or geometric distribution of the reinforcing phase in the matrix of composites (Ref 6).

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