One-step fabrication of Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposite via solution combustion synthesis route

Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a well-known method for production of different metal oxides and composite materials such as metal matrix composites. To the best of our knowledge, producing of metal matrix composite needs an extra reduction step after combustion synthesis. In the current research, the authors introduced a novel method to eliminate the reduction step and showed that Cu matrix composite could be produced just in one-step. For this purpose, Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and Al (NO3)3·9H2O were used as oxidizers and urea as fuel, and one-step combustion synthesis was performed in the presence of graphite. The structure and morphology of the products were studied by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques, respectively. XRD patterns proved that the presence of graphite could prevent formation of copper oxides. SEM and TEM micrographs showed that Cu matrix reinforced with nano-sized alumina could be achieved in one-step through SCS method.

Research highlights
► The heat released from reaction can produce Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposite with high purity.
► In the presence of graphite, the combustion temperature has decreased.
► Graphite adding helps to produce the nanocomposite just in one-step.