Synthesis and mechanical characterization of Si3N4reinforced copper-tin matrix composites

Abstract

The present research reports improvement in mechanical performance of Copper-Tin(Cu-Sn) composites due to the addition of hard Si3N4 particles as reinforcement. Two-step stir casting technique was adopted to prepare Si3N4-reinforced Cu-Sn based composites. The uniform distribution of the reinforcement in the matrix was ensured by SEM morphology and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectrum of the developed composites. Brinell hardness test and tension test were used to estimate the hardness and tensile strength of the composite. Si3N4 reinforcing materials added to the extent of 7.5% by wt. to Cu-Sn matrix enhanced hardness by 41% and UTS by 33%, YS by 29% and showed 23% decrement in ductility. Thus a comparison of Si3N4-reinforced Cu-Sn based composites with base metal has shown that considerable improvement in tensile properties such as UTS and YS and hardness if reinforcing material is added to the extent of 7.5%.