Copper matrix SiC and Al2O3 particulate composites by powder metallurgy technique

Copper matrix reinforced with either Ni-coated or uncoated SiC and Al2O3 particulate composites were made by means of the powder metallurgy route. The reinforcement particles of SiC and Al2O3 were coated with a thin layer of nickel by electroless method, The coated or uncoated reinforcement particles of either SiC or Al2O3 were added to copper metal powders with nominal loading of 20 wt.%, mixed in a mechanical mixer having 360 rpm for a period of 10 min. Each mixture of the investigated powders was cold compacted at 600 MPa, and sintered at 900 degreesC, in hydrogen atmosphere. The electroless coating process of the investigated reinforcements is given. Micrographs of Ni-coated particles of SiC and Al2O3, and the microstructure of the sintered composites are also provided. Some physical and mechanical properties of the copper matrix Ni-coated and uncoated particulate composites are measured and explained with regard to its structure. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.