The Elaboration of Composite Materials from the Cu-Al₂O₃ System Using CuO and Al₂O₃ Powders

The main objective of this study is to find out a simple method to ensure a good dispersion of Al2O3 in the Cu matrix. The method should avoid the segregation effect due to the high difference of the densities of Cu (8.93 g/cm3) and Al2O3 (3.96 g/cm3). In the process of obtaining of the Cu-Al2O3 composite we have considered starting with a material whose density is closer to the density of Al2O3. We have chosen CuO whose density is about 6 g/cm3 so the composite material was obtained starting with copper oxide and alumina powder. We have studied the influence of Al2O3 content and of the compacting pressure upon material’s compactness and hardness. The dispersion finer is highlighted by the microstructure of the surfaces.