Abstract
In this study, copper powder was reinforced with different weight percentages of Al(2)O(3)particles (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% Al(2)O(3)coated Ag) to produce Cu-Al(2)O(3)composites by mechanical alloying and uniaxial cold pressing/sintering route. Electro-less deposition was used to coat Al(2)O(3)particles with Ag. The microstructure of the consolidated samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) elemental mapping. The porosity, microhardness, and wear behavior of the consolidated samples were also investigated as a function of Al(2)O(3)content. The EDX mapping images reveal that the Al(2)O(3)reinforcement particles were homogeneously distributed into the Cu matrix. Microstructural analysis shows that the addition of Al(2)O(3)coated Ag particles improves density of the composites coating. SEM micrographs result shows that slight porosities exist in the composites produced. Furthermore, the average hardness of the composite coatings varies from 72.3 to 187.6 HV as Al(2)O(3)content increases from 0 to 15 wt.%. The wear test results showed that the composite with higher Al(2)O(3)content 15 wt.% showed the best wear resistance.