Fabrication and properties of a novel ZnO/Cu composite

A novel Cu matrix composite reinforced by ZnO particulates has been prepared via a powder metallurgy technique. Resultant materials were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Microscopic observation exhibits a homogenous distribution in Cu matrix of ZnO particulates, and the analysis of bending fracture surface reveals a relative good interfacial bonding. Performance tests indicate that the hardness of the composite has been significantly enhanced, while the electrical conductivity remains at a fairly high level. Both ZnO content and fabrication processes can obviously affect the properties of the composite. With increasing the mass fraction of ZnO, the relative density and electrical conductivity decrease monotonously, while the hardness exhibits non-monotonous change. Repressing and re-sintering process lead to increased relative density, electrical conductivity and hardness. While the process of plastic deformation results in further increased density and hardness, but decreased electrical conductivity.