Analysis of properties of Al-Cu composition using P/M route

Abstract

Aluminium is chemically active metal that owes its stability and corrosion resistance to an ever present protective film of oxide. It is well known that Cu-Al₂O₃ composite materials have high potential for use in structural applications in which enhanced mechanical characteristics are required. There fore ,oxidized copper is mixed with aluminium powder in a pot mill  and sintered at elevated temperature of 550 ⁰ C. Copper composite with varying amount of 9%,11%,13% by weight of alumina was used to fabricate compact using powder metallurgy route. The blended powder was compacted at optimized load to produce compact of h/d ratio in range of 1.0 / 1.1 and then sintered at a temperature of 550 ⁰ C for 1 1/2 Hours. Green density, sintered density, mechanical properties like hardness, compression test are estimated. The investigation shows that Al and Al matrix composites offer lower density, improved strength and stiffness and wear resistance. The compacts are extruded for further investigation.