Effect of La2O3 content on microstructure and properties of Al2O3/Cu Matrix composites

Abstract:

Using La₂O₃ powder, Al powder, CuO powder as raw materials and pure copper as matrix, in-situ synthesis technology and near melting point casting method were used to prepare particle-reinforced Cu matrix composites.The effect of La₂O₃ on the microstructure and properties of Cu matrix composites prepared by Al-CuO system was studied. The results show that the addition of La₂O₃ can obtain nano-Al₂O₃ particles, which are dispersed in the Cu matrix, and the prepared material structure is more fine and uniform, and its electrical conductivity and wear performance are significantly improved. When added 0.6% wtLa₂O₃, the electrical conductivity of the composite reached 90.2% IACS, and the amount of wear reached a minimum. Compared with the absence of La₂O₃, the electrical conductivity increased by 10.1%,and the wear decreased by 36.6%.

Key words:La₂O₃; Al-CuO system; Al₂O₃; Cu matrix composites