Evaluation of Cu-Cr3C2 composite with interpenetrating network

A new copper based bi-continuous composite was fabricated by infiltrating a preformed chromium carbide foam with molten copper at elevated temperature. The preformed chromium carbide foam was prepared using a reactive sintering process in a carbonaceous environment. The infiltration was conducted in a tube furnace under a reduction atmosphere with an ambient pressure. The obtained composite exhibited a homogenous structure with pronounced interfacial bonding. Some mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) of the new composite were evaluated and compared with theoretically calculated values as well as other published composites. This composite shows relatively higher elastic property, which can be attributed to the feature of the bi-continuous homogeneous microstructure and the good interfacial bonding between the matrix phase and the reinforcing phase.

► A new Cu-Cr3C2 composite with interpenetrating network was fabricated.
► The preformed Cr3C2 foam has a 3-D network skeleton structure.
► Hardness and Young's modulus were evaluated and compared with published composites.
► Relatively higher elastic property can be attributed to its microstructure character.