Properties of Copper-Based Composite Reinforced with Al2O3 Particles of Different Size

Copper matrix was simultaneously reinforced with nano- and micro-sized Al2O3 particles via high-energy milling of the mixture of inert gas-atomized prealloyed Cu-1 wt.% Al powder and 0.6 wt.% commercial Al2O3 powder. At the maximum of microhardness (2400 MPa) the grain size reaches the smallest value as a result of the synergetic effect of nano- and micro-sized Al2O3 particles. The relatively low decrease in microhardness during HTE may be explained by grain growth which is retarded by Al2O3 nano-sized particles precipitated at the grain boundaries.