Microstructure, Properties and Wear Behaviors of (Ni3Al)p Reinforced Cu Matrix Composites

Pure copper and its composites reinforced with Ni3Al particles were produced by powder metallurgy (PM). Ni3Al powders were produced by mechanical ball milling from vacuum arc melted compounds. The Ni3Al powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microscopy examinations revealed that the Ni3Al particles were distributed uniformly in the matrix. The effects of the particle fraction on the density, electrical conductivity, strength and dry sliding wear resistance of composite were investigated. It was found that the density and electrical conductivity of the composites decrease while the compression yield strength and wear resistance of composites increase with an increase in the particle fraction. The dry sliding wear tests were performed with pin-on-disk geometry. After sliding wear tests, the worn surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Results have shown that the wear mechanism is oxidative and adhesive.