Effect of Adding Nano Ag on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Cu–10% Fe Prepared by Powder Metallurgy Technique

Abstract

Copper-matrix composites have received a lot of attention and are used widely in various applications, such as electronics, machinery, automobile, military and aerospace; because of their remarkable electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties. Among these are copper-iron composites which found many engineering applications due to the role of Fe in enhancing the mechanical properties of these composites beside its low cost. However, Fe addition reduces electrical and thermal conductivity therefore, binary Cu-Fe composites are not suitable for applications where these properties are the main requirement. Many studies have been done to enhance these properties by the addition of alloying elements. The present work aims to study the effect of adding Nano Ag on mechanical and physical properties of Cu-10 wt% Fe composites prepared by powder metallurgy technique. The results showed the effectiveness of Nano Ag in enhancing both mechanical and physical properties of Cu-10 wt% Fe composite. It is found that bulk density, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity have been increased by 1.19%, 46%, and 46% respectively on adding 5% Nano Ag. Hardness and compression strength have been increased by 17.3% and 32.8% respectively by adding 4% Nano Ag, while wear rate was reduced by 13.4% by adding 4% Nano Ag.