Effect of nano-copper metal (NCM) particles on the mechanical properties and porosity of alumina ceramic composites (ACCS)

The alumina ceramic composites (ACCs) reinforced had been prepared using nano-copper metal (NCM) particles as they strengthen the phase. The powder metallurgy technique was selected to prepare the ACCs. The specific objective of this study was to examine the effect of adding NCM particles on the physical and mechanical properties of alumina ceramics. Transmissio electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and mechanical tests (hardness and indirect tensile stress) were utilized to identify the ceramic phases, microstructure, chemical composition, and mechanical properties. Various ratios of Cu metal were added (3, 6, 9, and 12 wt% NCM particles). The results of examination showed that with increasing ratios of NCM particles, the mechanical properties (hardness and tensile stress) increased and the porosity decreased. The increase in mechanical properties may be attributed to the toughening mechanism using particles as a second phase, the decrease in the porosity, and the increase in the ACCs density.