Indian Journal of Science and Technology
DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2016/v9i14/84063
Year: 2016, Volume: 9, Issue: 14, Pages: 1-10
Original Article
H. M. Mallikarjuna1,6*, C. S. Ramesh2 , Praveennath G. Koppad3 , K. T. Kashyap4 and R. Keshavamurthy5
1Advanced Composites Research Centre (ACRC), PES Institute of Technology, Bangalore - 560085, Karnataka, India; [email protected] 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alliance College of Engineering and Design, Anekal, Bangalore - 562106 Karnataka, India 3Research and Development, Rapsri Engineering Products Company Ltd, Ramanagar, Ramanagar - 562112, Karnataka, India 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Atria Institute of Technology, Bangalore - 560024, Karnataka, India; 5Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore - 560078, Karnataka, India 6Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, K. R. Pet- 571426, Karnataka, India
*Author of Corresponding: H. M. Mallikarjuna Advanced Composites Research Centre (ACRC), PES Institute of Technology, Bangalore - 560085, Karnataka, India; [email protected]
The main objective of current work is to improve the mechanical properties of copper without losing their inherent electrical conductivity. In this regard, we have reported the effect Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) reinforcement addition on microstructure, microhardness and electrical properties of copper-based hybrid nanocomposite. Hybrid nanocomposites have been synthesised by powder metallurgy technique which involves blending of composite powder, compaction, sintering followed by hot pressing. Microstructural characterization of prepared hybrid nanocomposites were carried out using optical and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Developed nanocomposites were also subjected to density measurement, microhardness test and electrical conductivity studies. Optical and SEM images reveal that SiC particles and MWCNTs were dispersed uniformly within the copper matrix. The densities of nanocomposites were significantly reduced owing to low densities of MWCNTs and SiC. An improvement in hardness of about 1.5 times has been observed for nanocomposites when compared with pure copper prepared under similar conditions. However, reduction in electrical conductivity of nanocomposites was observed due to grain refinement caused by multiple reinforcements. The developed hybrid nanocomposites have the potential as material candidates for self-lubricating bearings and bushes.
Keywords: Carbon Nanotubes, Copper, Hybrid Nanocomposites, Microhardness, Powder Metallurgy, Silicon carbide
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