Mechanical and Physical Properties Observations for Cu-Gr-SiC Composite Synthesized by Powder Metallurgy

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow, India

Abstract

This study examines the mechanical and physical properties of copper-graphite-silicon carbide (Cu-Gr-SiC) metal matrix composites (MMCs), focusing on parameters such as density, micro-hardness, compressive strength, flexural strength, and EDX analysis. Composites were developed using 5 wt.% graphite and varying SiC content (0–15 wt.%), using powder metallurgy techniques. The sintered density decreased from 8.23 g/cc for pure copper to 6.09 g/cc for the composite with 15 wt.%SiC, attributed to the lower densities of the reinforcing phases. Micro-hardness increased from 56 HV to 74.2 HV with rising SiC content, reflecting the hardening and grain refinement effect of SiC. Flexural strength reached a maximum of 200 MPa at 15 wt.%SiC, while compressive strength improved up to 5 wt.% SiC but declined at higher concentrations due to increased brittleness. EDX analysis confirmed uniform dispersion of reinforcements with minimal oxidation. These results support the use of Cu-Gr-SiC MMCs in demanding applications, with an optimal balance between reinforcement and mechanical performance.

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References

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Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures
Volume 13, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
In Progress
November 2026
Pages 339-345

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