Fabrication and Characterization of Copper Graphite Composite Material

Abstract

This study presents the fabrication and mechanical characterization of a Copper-Graphite (Cu-Gr) metal matrix composite through the powder metallurgy route. The mechanical properties of the composite were investigated for varying percentages of graphite (2%, 05%, 10%) and compression pressures (550MPa, 650MPa), including tensile strength and hardness, as well as the effect of pressure on density and green density. The Cu-Gr composites were prepared under different compaction pressures, and their properties were comprehensively evaluated. The composites underwent sintering at a temperature of 1100°C for 1 hour and 20 minutes. It was observed that an increase in the graphite content resulted in a corresponding increase in both the hardness and tensile strength of the composites. Additionally, the green density, sintered density, and relative density of the Cu-Gr composites were measured for various compaction pressures. As the compaction pressure increased, there was a notable enhancement in the density and relative density of the composites.