Copper Composites Research Articles

Advanced Copper Composites Against Copper-Tolerant Xanthomonas perforans and Tomato Bacterial Spot.

Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas spp., is a widespread and damaging bacterial disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). For disease management, growers rely on copper bactericides, which are often ineffective due to the presence of copper-tolerant Xanthomonas strains. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of the new copper composites core-shell copper (CS-Cu), multivalent copper (MV-Cu), and fixed quaternary ammonium copper (FQ-Cu) as potential alternatives to commercially available micron-sized copper bactericides for controlling copper-tolerant Xanthomonas perforans. In vitro, metallic copper from CS-Cu and FQ-Cu at 100 μg/ml killed the copper-tolerant X. perforans strain within 1 h of exposure. In contrast, none of the micron-sized copper rates (100 to 1,000 μg/ml) from Kocide 3000 significantly reduced copper-tolerant X. perforans populations after 48 h of exposure compared with the water control (P < 0.05). All copper-based treatments killed the copper-sensitive X. perforans strain within 1 h. Greenhouse studies demonstrated that all copper composites significantly reduced bacterial spot disease severity when compared with copper-mancozeb and water controls (P < 0.05). Although there was no significant impact on yield, copper composites significantly reduced disease severity when compared with water controls, using 80% less metallic copper in comparison with copper-mancozeb in field studies (P < 0.05). This study highlights the discovery that copper composites have the potential to manage copper-tolerant X. perforans and tomato bacterial spot.

Investigations on electric discharge machining of copper-Al&lt;sub align="right"&gt;2O&lt;sub align="right"&gt;3-Gr powder metallurgy composites

Copper composites with five weight percentage of alumina and graphite weight percentage of 0, 2.5 and 5 were produced by powder metallurgy process. To examine the presence and distribution of reinforcements in the produced copper composites, metallurgical characterisation such as X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopic analysis was performed. Further to analyse the machining behaviour of the produced composites, electrical discharge machining was performed using Taguchi's L27 orthogonal design by considering pulse on time, pulse off time and current as the machining parameters. To ascertain the behaviour of electric discharge machining of produced composites, statistical analysis was performed and the optimal levels of parameters was obtained through the main effect plot. Through the response table and ANOVA analysis, the significant factors were identified and finally, the test results were validated with a confirmation test.

Investigations on electric discharge machining of copper-Al&lt;sub align="right"&gt;2O&lt;sub align="right"&gt;3-Gr powder metallurgy composites

Copper composites with five weight percentage of alumina and graphite weight percentage of 0, 2.5 and 5 were produced by powder metallurgy process. To examine the presence and distribution of reinforcements in the produced copper composites, metallurgical characterisation such as X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopic analysis was performed. Further to analyse the machining behaviour of the produced composites, electrical discharge machining was performed using Taguchi's L27 orthogonal design by considering pulse on time, pulse off time and current as the machining parameters. To ascertain the behaviour of electric discharge machining of produced composites, statistical analysis was performed and the optimal levels of parameters was obtained through the main effect plot. Through the response table and ANOVA analysis, the significant factors were identified and finally, the test results were validated with a confirmation test.

Comparison of dynamic tensile extrusion behaviour of WCu composites made by different processes

Composites with 60~90% of tungsten are used in liners of some specialty shaped charges. The penetration is enhanced by a factor against copper for homogeneous steel target. Tungsten powder based shaped charge liners are also especially suitable for oil well completion. In this study, WCu composites manufactured by different process are used for testing of dynamic tensile extrusion (DTE) behaviour. One samples were made by copper infiltrated method. The other samples were manufactured by metal injection molding methods with reduced tungsten copper composite powder. DTE tests were carried out by launching the sphere samples (Dia. 7.62mm) to the conical extrusion die at a speed of ~375m/s. The DTE fragmentation behaviour of tungsten copper composites after soft-recovered were examined and compared with each other.

Underwater explosive compaction-sintering of tungsten–copper coating on a copper surface

ABSTRACTThis study investigated underwater explosive compaction-sintering for coating a high-density tungsten–copper composite on a copper surface. First, 50% W–50% Cu tungsten–copper composite powder was prepared by mechanical alloying. The composite powder was pre-compacted and sintered by hydrogen. Underwater explosive compaction was carried out. Finally, a high-density tungsten–copper coating was obtained by diffusion sintering of the specimen after explosive compaction. A simulation of the underwater explosive compaction process showed that the peak value of the pressure in the coating was between 3.0 and 4.8 GPa. The hardness values of the tungsten–copper layer and the copper substrate were in the range of 87–133 and 49 HV, respectively. The bonding strength between the coating and the substrate was approximately 100–105 MPa.

Synergistic enhancing effect for mechanical and electrical properties of tungsten copper composites using spark plasma infiltrating sintering of copper-coated graphene

Successful applications of WCu alloys in high voltage electrical switches require their high strength and excellent conductivity. Unfortunately, the strategies for increasing their strength such as doping with fine particles and alloying often significantly decrease their conductivity. In this paper, we developed a new pathway for fabricating WCu alloys using spark plasma infiltrating sintering of copper-coated graphene (Cu@Gr) composite powders. Cu@Gr was found to partially prevent the formation of WC after sintering, and graphene was uniformly distributed on the surfaces of network Cu phases. Electrical conductivity of 38.512 M·S/m, thermal conductivity of 264 W·m−1·K−1 and microhardness of 278 HV were achieved for the sintered WCu composites doped with only 0.8 wt.% Cu@Gr powders, which showed 95.3%, 24.3%, 28% enhancement compared with those from the conventional sintering using the undoped WCu powders.

Chromium carbide/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Structure Assisted Copper Composites with Low Temperature Coefficient of Resistance

In order to explore the possibility of using carbon nanotube (CNT) to introduce and control the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of metal matrix composite, relatively thick and short multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were introduced in the metal matrix with in-situ formation of chromium carbide (Cr7C3) at the CNT/copper (Cu) interface. We demonstrate that incompatible properties such as electrical conductivity and TCR can be achieved simultaneously by introducing MWCNTs in the Cu matrix, with control of the interfacial resistivity using the MWCNT/Cr7C3–Cu system. High electrical conductivity of 94.66 IACS and low TCR of 1,451 10–6 °C−1 are achieved in the 5 vol.% MWCNT–CuCr composite. In-situ formation of Cr7C3 nanostructures at the MWCNT/Cu interface by reaction of diffused Cr atoms and amorphous carbon of MWCNTs would assist in improving the electrical properties of the MWCNT–CuCr composites.

Mechanism for Improving the Mechanical Properties of Sintered Iron–Copper Composites Alloyed with Molybdenum

The structure of Fe–Cu composites after solid-phase and liquid-phase sintering was studied. It is shown that 2–10 wt.% molybdenum additions have an activating effect on the diffusion processes in densification, grain growth, and recrystallization, as well as on the amount and composition of copper and iron solid solutions. Molybdenum additions to 70 wt.% Fe–30 wt.% Cu composites simultaneously influence their strength and ductility properties. With increasing molybdenum content, the solubility of iron in copper decreases, promoting higher ductility of the composites, and the solid solutions of copper and molybdenum in iron preserve their strength characteristics. Solidphase sintering results in fine-grained FeCuMo samples with high relative density (up to 98.8%) and high ductility.

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hybrid Cu-Graphite Composites Prepared via Powder Metallurgy Technique

Copper -graphite composites are widely used in a great number of engineering applicationssuch as brushes, switches, sliding bearings, self-lubricating bearings, etc. due to their goodthermal and electrical conductivity and excellent tribological properties as compared with otherstructural materials. There are ongoing attempts in manufacturing copper composites with betterproperties to enhance their efficiency and increase their effective life. Present research aims to prepare hybrid 95wt.% copper –5wt.% graphite composites reinforced with yttria and tin particles by powder metallurgy technique and to study their effects on mechanical and physical properties of the prepared composites. Powder mixture was mixed by ball mill mixer at 100rpm for 120min with (5/1) balls to powder ratio. The powder mixture was cold pressed at 700MPa for 30sec, followed by sintering at 900 ?C for one hour. In the first stage, Yttria(Y2O3) was added with (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) wt% to pure copper (Cu) and to (95%Cu-5%Gr) matrices. Typical composite of this stage was ((95%Cu-5%Gr)-4%Y2O3. In the second stage, tin (Sn) was added with (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) wt% to pure copper and((95%Cu-5%Gr)-4%Y2O3 matrices. Typical composite of this stage was ((95%Cu-5%Gr)-4%Y2O3)-6%Sn. The results showed that hardness and true porosity of the composites increases with increasing yttria content. On the other hand both thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites decreases with increasing yttria content. It was also found that (95 wt.% Cu- 5 wt.% Gr) – Y2O3 composites have always lower wear rate than plain Cu-Y2O3 composites.

Investigation of sintered properties on infiltrated tungsten–copper composite along the infiltration direction

ABSTRACTTungsten–copper composites exhibit excellent resistance to erosion and good electrical as well as thermal conductivity. W–Cu composites are mainly used for heat sinks, electrical contacts and transpiration cooling applications. In this investigation the microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of infiltrated tungsten–copper composite along the infiltration direction have been studied. The microstructures of the top, middle and bottom regions of the composite were evaluated using both optical and scanning electron microscope. Bulk hardness, electrical conductivity, instrumented hardness and contiguity were measured along the depth of W–Cu composite. It was found that the copper phase fraction decreases along the infiltration direction of the specimen. The effect of distribution of copper in the W–Cu system has a significant influence on the mechanical and the electrical properties. The effect of copper content on indentation depth, instrumented hardness, Young’s modulus, and stiffness of the composite has been evaluated using an instrumented hardness tester.

Coupling catalytic hydrolysis and oxidation of HCN over HZSM-5 modified by metal (Fe,Cu) oxides

Abstract In this work, a series of metal oxides (Fe,Cu) modified HZSM-5 catalysts were synthesized by incipient-wetness impregnation method and then characterized by XRD, N 2 adsorption-desorption, H 2 -TPR, NH 3 -TPD, UV-vis, FT-IR and XPS measurements. The catalytic hydrolysis and oxidation behaviors toward HCN were investigated. The results indicated that the Fe-Cu/HZSM-5 catalysts exhibited more excellent performence on coupling catalytic hydrolysis and oxidation of HCN than HZSM-5, Fe/HZSM-5, Cu/HZSM-5, and both nearly 100% HCN conversion and 80% N 2 selectivity were obtained at about 250 °C. The improved catalytic performance could be ascribed to the creation of highly dispersed iron and copper composites on the surface of the HZSM-5 support, the excellent redox and regulated acid properties of the active ingredients. Moreover, the highly N 2 selectivity could be attributed to the good interaction between the Fe and Cu nanocomposites which was facilitated to the NH 3 -SCR (selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH 3 ) reaction.

A Novel Cu–GNPs Nanocomposite with Improved Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Classical powder metallurgy followed by either hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) or repressing–annealing process was used to produce Cu–graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposites in this work. A wet mixing method was used to disperse the graphene within the matrix. The results show that a uniform dispersion of GNPs at low graphene contents could be achieved, whereas agglomeration of graphene was revealed at higher graphene contents. Density evaluations showed that the relative density of pure copper and copper composites increased by using the post-processing techniques. However, it should be noticed that the efficiency of HIPing was remarkably higher than repressing–annealing process, and through the HIPing, fully dense samples were achieved. The Vickers hardness results showed that the reconsolidation steps can improve the mechanical strength of the specimens up to 50% owing to the progressive porosity elimination after reconsolidation. The thermal conductivity results of pure copper and composites at high temperatures showed that the post-processing techniques could enhance the conductivity of materials significantly.

Composites of copper and cast iron fabricated via the liquid: In the vicinity of the limits of strength in a non-deformed condition

In this study, the effect of copper on the structure and properties of cast iron is discussed. The experimental samples, with copper content from 0.09wt% to 14.2wt%, were synthesized in an induction furnace. The structure of the samples was characterized using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of copper on the volume fraction of graphite and pearlite, and its interlamellar spacing and the tendency of the composites to form a white iron structure are discussed. In particular, precipitation of ε-copper was investigated. For a better understanding of the structural evolution, the isoplethal section of 3wt% C in the Fe-Cu-C phase diagram was calculated. The hardness, tensile strength, friction coefficient and wear resistance of the composites were measured. The addition of copper leads to hardening and strengthening of the composites. However, at a high copper content, the strength of alloys decreases due to the formation of a brittle white iron structure. Copper has a positive effect on the friction coefficient and reduces wear resistance by promoting the formation of ledeburite.

Mechanical Properties and Adhesive Scuffing Wear Behavior of Stir Cast Cu–Sn–Ni/Si3N4 Composites

The modern technology developments have seeded for the necessity of composite materials that are incorporated with high hardness, high tensile strength, and better wear properties. Cu–Sn–Ni alloy as well as the composites of varying weight percentage of Si3N4 (5, 10, and 15) are fabricated by liquid metallurgy technique. The alloy and composites are tested for their tensile strength and hardness on Universal Testing Machine and Vickers microhardness tester, respectively. Based on the tests, Cu–Sn–Ni/10 wt. % of Si3N4 is found to have optimum mechanical properties. The scuff type adhesive wear behavior is studied through pin-on-disk tribometer under dry sliding conditions for Cu–Sn–Ni/10 wt. % of Si3N4 composite. Taguchi's design of experiments technique based on L27 orthogonal array model is used for analyses of process parameters in three levels such as applied load (10, 20, and 30 N), sliding distance (500, 1000, and 1500 m), and sliding velocity (1, 2, and 3 m/s). The parameters are ranked based on the signal-to-noise ratio and the analysis of variance approach. Based on wear results, applied load is found to have highest stature on influencing wear rate followed by sliding distance and sliding velocity. A generalized wear rate equation is obtained based on the linear regression model and its feasibility is checked. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed severe delamination occurred on maximum load condition. The development of this copper composite can have the possibility of replacing aluminum bearings.

Mechanical Properties of PM CNT-Dispersed Cu Composite

Microstructural and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy (PM) with carbon nanotube (CNTs) dispersed copper (Cu) composites were investigated in detail. Pure copper powder was coated with un-bundled CNTs by using the zwitterionic surfactant solution containing CNTs. The powder rolling process was applied to increase the powder surface area to be coated with CNTs. The total rolling reduction of Cu-CNT composite powder by 5 steps rolling was about 75%. With increasing the number of rolling steps, the content of CNTs coated on the Cu powder surface increased because of the increment of the flat surface area of flaky Cu rolled powder. As a result, the CNT content was 0.67mass% after 5 steps powder rolling. It was about twice as that of as-coated Cu-CNT composite powder without rolling. The grain size of PM extruded Cu-CNT composite was about one fifth of that of the extruded monolithic Cu material without CNT. Yield stress of the extruded Cu-CNT composite via the rolling process was 192 MPa, which is about twice that of the extruded monolithic Cu material (88 MPa). CNTs distributed at primary particle boundaries were effective to prevent the grain coarsening by their pinning effects, and this grain refinement was the main strengthening factor of the Cu-CNT composite via rolling process.

Thermal Conductivity and Microstructure of Copper Coated Graphite Composite by Spark Plasma Sintering Process

AbstractThis study focuses on the fabrication of thermal management material for power electronics applications using graphite flake reinforced copper composites. The manufacturing route involved electroless plating of copper in the graphite flake and sintering process are optimized. The microstructures, interface, thermal properties, and relative density of graphite/Cu composites are investigated. The relative density of the composites shows 99.5% after sintering. Thermal conductivities and coefficients of thermal expansion of this composites were 400-480 Wm−1K−1and 8 to 5 ppm k−1, respectively. Obtained graphite nanoplatelets-reinforced composites exhibit excellent thermo-physical properties to meet the heat dispersion and matching requirements of power electronic devices to the packaging materials.

Antibacterial properties and toxicity from metallic nanomaterials.

The era of antibiotic resistance is a cause of increasing concern as bacteria continue to develop adaptive countermeasures against current antibiotics at an alarming rate. In recent years, studies have reported nanoparticles as a promising alternative to antibacterial reagents because of their exhibited antibacterial activity in several biomedical applications, including drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering, and imaging. Moreover, nanomaterial research has led to reports of a possible relationship between the morphological characteristics of a nanomaterial and the magnitude of its delivered toxicity. However, conventional synthesis of nanoparticles requires harsh chemicals and costly energy consumption. Additionally, the exact relationship between toxicity and morphology of nanomaterials has not been well established. Here, we review the recent advancements in synthesis techniques for silver, gold, copper, titanium, zinc oxide, and magnesium oxide nanomaterials and composites, with a focus on the toxicity exhibited by nanomaterials of multidimensions. This article highlights the benefits of selecting each material or metal-based composite for certain applications while also addressing possible setbacks and the toxic effects of the nanomaterials on the environment.

Copper laminated composites reinforced with Al2O3 nanoparticles by suspension method and hot pressing

Laminated composite of copper with alumina nanoparticle reinforcements has application such as electrical industries. Electrical junctions should have high electrical, thermal conductivity with good mechanical strength. In this research the layers interface of pure copper were reinforced by alumina nanoparticles. For the production of the composite, first alumina nanoparticles were dispersed on Cu layers by suspension method and then the layers were hot pressed at 950°C under 20 MPa pressure. After composite making, the microstructure, the tensile and impact of these composite were studied. The results showed that by increasing amount of alumina nanoparticles up to 0. 5 wt %, tensile and impact strength were increased and for the composites with more than 0.5 wt % because of agglomeration of nanoparticles, these properties were decreased.

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hybrid Cu-Graphite Composites Prepared via Powder Metallurgy Technique

Copper -graphite composites are widely used in a great number of engineering applications such as brushes, switches, sliding bearings, self-lubricating bearings, etc. due to their good thermal and electrical conductivity and excellent tribological properties as compared with other structural materials. There are ongoing attempts in manufacturing copper composites with better properties to enhance their efficiency and increase their effective life. Present research aims to prepare hybrid 95wt.% copper –5wt.% graphite composites reinforced with yttria and tin particles by powder metallurgy technique and to study their effects on mechanical and physical properties of the prepared composites. Powder mixture was mixed by ball mill mixer at 100rpm for 120min with (5/1) balls to powder ratio. The powder mixture was cold pressed at 700MPa for 30sec, followed by sintering at 900 ˚C for one hour. In the first stage, Yttria(Y2O3) was added with (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) wt% to pure copper (Cu) and to (95%Cu-5%Gr) matrices. Typical composite of this stage was ((95%Cu-5%Gr)-4%Y2O3. In the second stage, tin (Sn) was added with (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) wt% to pure copper and((95%Cu-5%Gr)-4%Y2O3 matrices. Typical composite of this stage was ((95%Cu-5%Gr)-4%Y2O3)-6%Sn. The results showed that hardness and true porosity of the composites increases with increasing yttria content. On the other hand, both thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites decreases with increasing yttria content. It was also found that (95 wt.% Cu- 5 wt.% Gr) – Y2O3 composites have always lower wear rate than plain Cu-Y2O3 composites.

Melt infiltrated tungsten–copper composites as advanced heat sink materials for plasma facing components of future nuclear fusion devices

The exhaust of power and particles is regarded as a major challenge in view of the design of a magnetic confinement nuclear fusion demonstration power plant (DEMO). In such a reactor, highly loaded plasma facing components (PFCs), like the divertor targets, have to withstand both severe heat flux loads and considerable neutron irradiation. Existing divertor target designs make use of monolithic tungsten (W) and copper (Cu) material grades that are combined in a PFC. Such an approach, however, bears engineering difficulties as W and Cu are materials with inherently different thermomechanical properties and their optimum operating temperature windows do not overlap. Against this background, W–Cu composite materials are promising candidates regarding the application to the heat sink of highly loaded PFCs. The present contribution summarises recent results regarding the manufacturing and characterisation of such W–Cu composite materials produced by means of liquid Cu melt infiltration of open porous W preforms. On the one hand, this includes composites manufactured by infiltrating powder metallurgically produced W skeletons. On the other hand, W–Cu composites based on textile technologically produced fibrous reinforcement preforms are discussed.