Processing and mechanical behaviour of a dual scale particle strengthened copper composite

Abstract

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) and dual scale particle strengthened (DSPS) copper composites were successfully manufactured by a powder metallurgical processing route, containing Al2O3 particles with a mean diameter of 17 nm as dispersoids and, in the case of the DSPS material, 15% tungsten fibres about 3 mm long. Their mechanical behaviour was investigated at ambient and elevated temperatures. The ODS material displayed mechanical properties comparable to those of commercial GlidCop® alloys. Addition of tungsten fibres in case of the DSPS material increased the elevated temperature flow strength relative to the ODS counterpart by about 12 %. This result is rationalised by finite element calculations, taking fibre orientation, plastic deformation of the fibres as well as the role of the fibre coating into account.