Densification and microstructure studies of Mo-30-40 wt% Cu nanocomposites prepared through chemical route

Mo-30-40 wt% Cu nanocomposites with average size lower than 50 nm were synthesized using mo-lybdenum hexacarbonyl, Mo(CO)6 and copper acetonyl acetonate, [Cu(acac)2] as metal precursors. Compositional analysis of Mo-Cu nanocomposites was performed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The Mo-Cu composites were sintered using spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction studies of as -prepared powders showed amorphous Mo-phase and FCC Cu-phase, while sintered Mo-Cu composites exhibited crystalline BCC Mo and FCC Cu-phase become sharper. The effect of sintering temperature on relative density and mechanical properties of Mo-Cu sintered compacts was investigated. Relative density in excess of 98% were achieved for Mo-30-40 wt% Cu composites on spark plasma sintering at 1000 degrees C for 30 min. Vickers hardness of 653 +/- 10 and 587 +/- 8 Hv were achieved for Mo-30 wt% Cu and Mo-40 wt% Cu composite compacts respectively. Mo-30 wt% Cu and Mo-40 wt% Cu composites exhibit thermal con-ductivity of 182.5 and 224.6 W.m-1. K-1, respectively. The friction coefficient of Mo-Cu composites de-creased with an increase in Cu content.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Mo-30-40 wt% Cu nanocomposites with average size lower than 50 nm were synthesized using Mo(CO)6 and [Cu(acac)2]. XRF analysis was used to determine the composition of Mo-Cu nanocomposites. The sintering of Mo-Cu composites was achieved using spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction studies showed the transformation of amorphous Mo-phase and FCC Cu-phase to crystalline BCC Mo and FCC Cu-phase after sintering. The sintering temperature significantly affected the relative density and mechanical properties of Mo-Cu compacts.