The Effect of Particle Size on the Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Cu-Al2O3Composite Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

n the present study, the Cu-Al2O3composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering method and their physical, mechanical and electrochemical properties was investigated. The Cu precurser powder particles in different sizes and alumina reinforcement particles were utilized for compaction and sintering using spark plasma sintering method. Then, the prepared samples were characterized about microstructure, density, hardness, electrical coductivity and ipmedence and electrochemical polarization tests. The results showed; the hardness of samples prepared with powder particle of 63 μm is higher than that prepared with 150 μm powder particles. This can be due to difference in grain size in microstructure (20 μm rather than 45 μm). Also, it seems that in higher relative density (more than 98%), the grain size in microstructure, controls the electrical resistance/conductivity. The electrochemical Niquist curve of Warburg element and electrochemical polarization curve revealed the anodic dissolution peak of copper and the formation of CuCl2-. The resultsindicated that the corrosion resistance increases as the particle size decreases.