Synthesis and Characterization of Cu-ZrB2 Alloy Produced by PM Techniques

Abstract

The copper alloy with 7vol.% ZrB2 examined in this study was consolidated via powder metallurgy processing (PM) by combining mechanical alloying and hot pressing process. Structural changes, morphological properties and elemental analysis of the hot-pressed samples were studied as a function of milling time with the use of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). Also, mechanical properties of the Cu-7vol.%ZrB2 alloy was investigated. Distribution of ZrB2 particles and presence of agglomerates in the Cu matrix directly depend on the milling time and show strong influence on hardness, compressive and electrical properties of Cu-ZrB2 alloys.