Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1576768 Materials Science and Engineering: A 2012 11 Pages PDF
Abstract
Cu-4.5Cr and Cu-4.5Cr-3Ag (wt%) alloys with nanocrystalline Al2O3 dispersion (5 or 10 wt%) were synthesized by mechanical alloying and consolidated by high pressure sintering at two different temperatures. Mechanical alloying/milling leads to formation of nanocrystalline matrix grains of about 40-60 nm after 25 h of milling with nanometric (<20 nm) Al2O3 particles dispersed in it. After consolidation by high pressure sintering (8 GPa at 600-800 °C), the dispersoids nearly retain their ultrafine size and uniform distribution, while the alloyed matrix undergoes significant grain growth. Apparent density of the compacts is about 95% of the theoretical density of the corresponding compositions. 10 wt% Al2O3 dispersed Cu-4.5Cr-3Ag alloy consolidated at 800 °C shows maximum hardness (435 VHN) and wear resistance. High hardness at this material is due to fine grain structure with nano-dispersoids. The fine grained structure is generated due to dynamic recrystallization during high pressure sintering which has been observed through metallography as well as macro-/micro-texture analysis. The electrical conductivity of the pellets without and with nano-Al2O3 dispersion is about 40-45% IACS (International Annealing Copper Standard) and 35% IACS, respectively. Thus, mechanical alloying followed by high pressure sintering seems a potential route for developing nano-Al2O3 dispersed Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Ag alloys for heavy duty electrical contacts.
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Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Materials Science (General)
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