Microstructure And Properties Of Dispersion-strengthened Cu And Cu2O Materials Produced By SPS

Dispersion-strengthening plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical properties and thermal stability of copper-based materials while retaining high electrical conductivity. This study investigates the production of these alloys through the reduction of cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Therefore, mixtures of Alumina (Al2O3) and Cu2O are milled, followed by consolidation via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). We explore the densification of both oxidized state Cu2O and reduced Cu2O, analyzing the impact of Al2O3 content and milling time on the microstructure and dispersoid distribution. Mechanical properties are characterized with hardness measurements, alongside the assessment of the electrical conductivity. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into optimizing the manufacturing processes of dispersion-strengthened copper alloys, paving the way for new powder metallurgy-based production routes including additive manufacturing.