Authors:
Thalita Queiroz e Silva (1), Meysam Mashhadikarimi (1), Pâmala Samara Vieira (1), Anderson Costa Marques (1), Gabriel Dos Santos Vasconcelos (1), Lucas Marques Dos Santos (2)
1-Materials Science and Engineering Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
2-School of Science and Technology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Abstract:
Composites formed by a copper matrix, reinforced by a ceramic and refractory material, stand out due to their relevance in electrical conductor applications. In this context, this study investigated the hardening of copper powder with the addition of different concentrations of tungsten carbide (5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight) prepared by high-energy milling (HEM) for 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 hours. The powders were characterized by SEM, XRD and Vickers microhardness. The results showed that the milling method was efficient for obtaining Cu-WC composites, with strong bonds between the phases. The diffractograms showed characteristic copper and tungsten carbide peaks, with no secondary phases. The Vickers microhardness value is directly related to the amount of WC and the milling time; consequently, the 20% WC composite powder milled for 20 hours had a microhardness of 251 HV, exceeding the values of the other powders.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP246281184
