Highly conductive and strengthened copper matrix composite reinforced by Zr_2Al_3C_4 particulates

摘要

A new copper matrix composite reinforced with Zr_2Al_3C_4 particulates was successfully fabricated by powder metallurgy method. In the whole reinforcing range, Cu/Zr_2Al_3C_4 composite possesses comparable electrical conductivity and better mechanical properties than those of Cu/graphite composite, which was widely accepted as the electro-contacting material. The high conductivity was attributed to the formation of a continuous copper network in the composite, while the high strength and modulus of Zr_2Al_3C_4 ceramic led to a notable improvement in the mechanical properties of the composite.