Effect of nanoparticle content on the microstructural and mechanical properties of nano-SiC dispersed bulk ultrafine-grained Cu matrix composites

• Published in: Materials in engineering Vol. 52; pp. 881 - 887
• Main Authors: Akbarpour, M R, Salahi, E, Alikhani, Hesari F, Kim, H S, Simchi, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2013
• Subjects: COMPOSITES; Copper; Grain refinement; GRAIN SIZE AND SHAPE; MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS; Mathematical models; MECHANICAL PROPERTIES; Microstructure; MICROSTRUCTURES; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; PARTICLES; Strength; Strengthening; YIELD STRENGTH
• ISSN: 0261-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2013.05.072

The microstructure and mechanical properties of monolithic pure Cu and Cu matrix nanocomposites reinforced with three different fractions (2, 4, and 6 vol%) of SiC nanoparticles (n-SiC), fabricated via a combination of high energy mechanical milling and hot pressing techniques, were investigated. The composites exhibited a homogeneous distribution of n-SiC with low porosity. Grain refinement, the planar features within the grains, and lattice strain increased with increasing n-SiC content. The yield and compressive strengths of the nanocomposites were improved with increasing n-SiC content up to 4 vol%; they then decreased due to a weak interfacial strength for larger n-SiC contents. This improvement was attributed to grain refinement strengthening and the homogeneous distribution of n-SiC. Furthermore, studies on different strengthening mechanisms showed that the Hall-Petch strengthening mechanism was the most important factor. The yield strength was calculated theoretically using common analytical models. The Clyne approach agreed well with experimental data and was more accurate than the other methods developed for predicting the strength of metal matrix nanocomposites.