Evaluation of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cu/Cr2O3 Nanocomposite Produced by Mechanical Alloying and Internal Oxidation

Copper base composite reinforced with Cr2O3, because of good electrical and thermal conductivity and strength in high temperature is suitable for contact materials. In this paper composites were made by mechanical alloying and internal oxidation. Inorder to estimate suitable time and ball to powder ratio of milling for mechanical alloying and to ensure of comlete internal oxidation of Cr after sintering, SEM micrograph and XRD analyses were carried out. Properties such as density, specific electrical resistivity and hardness of nanocomposite specimens were improved in compare with Cu(Cr) solid solution. Dry sliding wear test were carried out by using Pin on Disk equipment. As the sliding distance increased, volume loss of composites increased. Wear mechanism of composites were investigated by using SEM micrograph of worn surfaces of specimens. As the sliding distance increased, the dominante mechanism is abrasive, delamination and oxidation respectively.