Mechanical properties of HSSS chips reinforced copper-based hybrid composites

Abstract

Highly strained stainless steel (HSSS) chips and particulates, WC and Cr are reinforced in copper matrix to develop the hybrid composites using the stir-cast technique. The developed copper based hybrid composites are designated as Cu-1 wt.% WC-2 wt.% Cr-x wt.% HSSS (x= 0, 2, 3 and 4 wt.%). SEM and EDAX characterized the developed materials. Densities, Brinell hardness, tensile and compressive strength of the materials were analyzed. The metallographic observations of hybrid composites showed the uniform distribution of WC and HSSS particulates in the matrix. Hardness, tensile and compressive strength of the hybrid composites are higher than its matrix and increases with increasing the HSSS content. However, density of the hybrid composites is lower than its matrix and decreases with increasing of HSSS content. SEM studied the fractured surfaces of developed materials to understand its fracture behaviour. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.