Microstructure and properties of copper composite containing in situ NbC reinforcement: Effects of milling speed

This paper presents a study on the effects of milling speed on the properties of in situ copper-based composite produced by mechanical alloying followed by cold pressing and sintering. A powdered mixture of copper, niobium and graphite with the composition of Cu–30%NbC was milled at various speeds (100, 200, 300 and 400 rpm). The NbC phase started to precipitate in the as-milled powder after 30 h milling at 400 rpm and the formation was completed after sintering at 950 °C. Enhancements of NbC phase formation with a reduction in Cu crystallite size were observed with the increase of milling speed. Density, hardness and electrical conductivity of the sintered composite were evaluated. An increase in milling speed resulted in an increase in sintered density and hardness but a reduction of electrical conductivity. The changes in the properties were correlated to the formation of NbC phase and refinement of copper and niobium carbide crystallite size since higher milling speed is associated with higher kinetic energy per hit.