Microstructure,and mechanical and thermal properties of CuSn/FeCr p metal matrix composites processed by powder metallurgy

Abstract

The effects of FeCr particulates (FeCr_p) on microstructure, and thermal and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy Cu—Sn metal matrix composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, low cycle fatigue testing, hardness measurements, and Charpy V notch impact testing. Carbides of type M₂₃C₆ and M₇C₃ were precipitated around the FeCr_p in the matrix of the α-Cu—Sn structure. Hence, hardness, fatigue life, tensile strength, and the grain coarsening temperature of the Cu—Sn alloy increased and the toughness of the samples decreased The electrical resistivity of sintered specimens was measured in the temperature interval 298–328 K, and in this temperature interval it was seen that the FeCr_p increased electrical and thermal resistance.