Preparation of in-situ Cu/NbC nanocomposite and its functionally graded behavior for electrical contact applications

作     者：S.GHOLAMI SHIRI P.ABACHI K.POURAZARANG M.MOHAMMADI RAHVARD 

作者机构：Department of Materials Science and EngineeringSharif University of Technology Damavand Petrochemical CompanyPhase 2Pars Special Economic Energy Zone School of Materials Science and Engineering and Center of Excellence for High Strength Alloys TechnologyIran University of Science and Technology 

出 版 物：《Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China》 (中国有色金属学报（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2015年第25卷第3期

页      面：863-872页

核心收录：

学科分类：08[工学] 0805[工学-材料科学与工程（可授工学、理学学位）] 080502[工学-材料学] 

基　　金：Sharif University of Technology for the financial support 

主　　题：Cu/NbC nanocomposite in-situ composite mechanical alloying electrical contact wear behavior 

摘      要：Cu–15%NbC (volume fraction) powder was synthesized using the starting powders of Cu, Nb and graphite in a high energy vibratory disc mill for 7 h of milling under argon atmosphere. A composite sample and a Cu/NbC functionally graded material (FGM) sample were produced by using the two-step press and sintering at 900 °C for 1 h under vacuum. The microstructure and physical and mechanical properties of the specimens were investigated. The field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the synthesis of the nanostructure matrix of 18–27 nm with the nanoparticles reinforcement of 42 nm after sintering, verifying the thermal stability of this composite at high temperature. The hardness of Cu–15%NbC was five times greater than that of the pure Cu specimen. The volume reduction of the sample after the wear test decreased in comparison with the pure Cu specimen. The electrical conductivity of the composite specimen decreased to 36.68% IACS. The FGM specimen exhibited high electrical conductivity corresponding to 75.83% IACS with the same hardness and wear properties as those of the composite sample on the composite surface. Thus, Cu/NbC FGM with good mechanical and electrical properties can be a good candidate for electrical contact applications.