Microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-carbon reinforced Mo–Cu–Zr composites. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shu, Rui; Jiang, Xiaosong; Zhang, Y.X.; Wuhrer, Richard; Liu, Bing; Sun, Hongliang; Shao, Zhenyi; Luo, Zhiping
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 179(2021)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Mo–Cu–Zr ternary composites -- Nano-carbon -- Synergetic effect -- Interfaces -- Strengthening mechanisms; Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2021.04.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: As an ideal reinforcing phase, nano-carbon has been widely used to improve the properties of composites. In this paper, Mo–Cu–Zr ternary composites were reinforced with various types and contents of nano-carbon to find the optimal composition and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were systematically characterized and analyzed. The composites were fabricated via a powder metallurgy method to achieve high compactness and structural uniformity. The analysis results show that the increase of nano-carbon may cause a serious agglomeration and subsequent decrease of the composite compactness, while the synergetic effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) can improve their dispersion. The 0.8C + 0.2G-MCZ3 composite showed the best comprehensive properties, which achieved a relative density, hardness and compressive strength of 99.7%, 343.6 HV and 953.5 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the component Zr mainly formed solid solution and compound particles with Cu or C through in-situ chemical reactions. It played an important role in solid solution strengthening and dispersion strengthening, and the in-situ synthesized ZrC nanoparticles on nano-carbon surfaces can pin interfaces and improve the effect of load transfer. The synergetic effects and multiple strengthening mechanisms result in the improvement of the microstructure and properties of the composites. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Interfaces between nano-carbons and matrix are improved by the in-situ synthesized phase. The synergy of CNTs and GNPs shows a better reinforcing effect. The increase of Zr content is beneficial to the improvement of the properties of composites. Multiple strengthening mechanisms synergistically act on the improvement of composite properties.