Development & comparative study of Copper Alumnium metal matrix composite through different routes

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to develop aluminium-copper composites via powder metallurgy technique. Copper oxide (CuO) is the source of copper. Copper is extracted simply reducing copper oxide into dextrose and the reaction is throughly examined and reported. Commercially available aluminium powder has been used as source of the aluminium. Aluminium-copper powder containing varying weight percentages of copper have prepared, uniaxially pressed using a hydraulic press. Subsequently, densification is achieved for all samples inside the specified temperature under controlled rate of heating. Upon completion of the heating process, the samples are gradually cooled slowly inside the furnace. The sintered composites are considered for various characterization and measurements like apparent porosity, density and mechanical properties. Composite samples are further considered for aging at low temperature. The aged composites are subsequently assessed for their mechanical properties. The effects of heat treatment on microstructural changes are investigated using optical microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The results indicate a direct correlation between the increase in copper content and the enhancement of Vickers hardness values in an orderly and systematic manner. Aluminum, with its lower density compared to copper, not only contributes to composites with a high strength-to-weight ratio but also enhances stiffness and exhibits commendable mechanical properties surpassing those of pure aluminum.