Development of Cu-Based Metal Matrix Composites Using Silicon Carbide, E-Glass Fiber and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Reinforcement

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) combine the ductility of metal and the toughness of the reinforcement which makes it an excellent candidate material for advanced engineering applications. The unique features of MMCs like high strength to weight ratio and high stiffness per unit density results in improvement of the service performance. The decrease in structural weight, increase in creep strength, high fatigue strength, high thermal stability, enhancement in wear resistance and electrical conductivity, further makes it a potential engineering material. Cu has been extensively used as a matrix due to its superior thermal and electrical properties. However Cu has inadequate mechanical properties from the structural application point of view. Incorporation of ceramic particles like oxides or carbides in Cu would strengthen the matrix. Here in our study three reinforcements, SiC particles, E-glass fibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which are very different in nature and morphology have been used for developing Cu-based MMCs. Over the last several decades, there has been considerable interest in the use of Cu-based MMCs. However very limited literature is available on Cu-based metal matrix composites. For many applications pure Cu cannot be used because of its low strength and reinforcing Cu with ceramics or fibers is a viable option to overcome this limitation. Here Cu-based metal matrix composites have been developed using SiCp, E-glass fiber and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as reinforcements by powder metallurgy route. A systematic study of the various mechanical properties of the composites developed was done. The hardness and wear properties of the various composites were determined. The fracture surface of the various composites was analyzed and the density of the composites was also determined. Here in our study both the as-received Cu powder and 20 h milled nanostructured Cu powder was used as the matrix for the composites.