Experimental Investigation of Copper Matrix Hybrid Composite Reinforced with Sic/Gr/Cr via Stir Casting

Abstract

Abstract Copper matrix composites (CuMMC) overcome the constraints of pure copper by providing high strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance while maintaining excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. CuMMC is thus a promising material for a wide range of applications including heat exchangers, resistance welding electrodes, and maritime components. This study was aimed to fabricate silicon carbide reinforced copper matrix hybrid composite with addition of 1%Gr and 2%Cr to enhance good wettability between molten copper and solid reinforcement. Five samples were synthesized using stir casting with varying weight percentage of silicon carbide (0,3, 6, 9 and 12 wt.%) at 500rpm stirring speed, 30-minute stirring time and 1200 stirring temperature. Porosity percentage, hardness, electrical conductivity, compression strength and corrosion resistance properties of fabricated samples were investigated and analyzed. Test results demonstrated that the addition of SiC-Gr-Cr improved hardness and corrosion resistance when compared to commercial copper, however increasing the amount of reinforcement lowered electrical conductivity. The addition of SiC-Gr-Cr up to 12%wt enhanced compression strength, although when the amount of reinforcement approaches 15% wt., the compressive strength of the composite decreased due to an increased in brittleness.