The Effect of Nanostructured Zirconia Reinforcement on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of a Copper-Based System

Abstract

Powder technology has a great impact on the industry and the need for the labor market since this technology has been used to manufacture copper-based composition models with a fixed rate of 5% of (SiC) with nanostructuring of (0,5,10,15,20) %. Regarding nanoscale zirconia (ZrO2), the mineral and ceramic powders were grinded with a grinding time of two hours for the purpose of homogeneity, then the powders were pressed at a pressure of 5 tons and a time of one minute only. Later, the properties were studied and the prepared samples were sintered at 900 °C for two hours.. The physical properties were represented by density and porosity, mechanical properties by compressive strength (samples failed) and wear and structural properties by SEM and EDS. The results showed that the true density and real porosity decreased with the increase in the size of the support ratios, while we noticed an increase in compressive strength with the increase of the added nanoscale ratios. As for the wear, its value decreased to reach the lowest value after sintering and at the ratio of 15% zirconia. Furthermore. the results of the scanning electron microscope showed that the ratio of 15% zirconia is the best percentage in terms of improving physical and mechanical properties. Keywords: nanozirconia, compressive strength, Thermal sintering, porosity.