THE PREPARATION OF AL2O3-CU COMPOSITE BY INTERNAL OXIDATION

The internal oxidation technique had been used successfully in manufac turing Al2O3 particle reinforced copper matrix composites. The microst ructure of the composites was studied using scanning electron microsco pe. Aluminum and oxygen content in the specimens were detected by ener gy dispersive X-ray analysis. The structure of the phases formed was d etermined by X-ray diffractometer. Experimental results show that the internal oxidation process generates very fine and well dispersed alum ina particles in the surface layers of the copper matrix, and that the number of the alumina particles is increased with the increase in alu minum content in matrix, and it also effects the specific resistance a nd wear rate of the prepared copper matrix composites. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.