Microstructure, and mechanical and thermal properties of CuSn/FeCr_p metal matrix composites processed by powder metallurgy

The effects of FeCr particulates (FeCr_p) on microstructure, and thermal and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy Cu-Sn metal matrix composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive, spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, low cycle fatigue testing, hardness measurements, and Charpy V notch impact testing. Carbides of type M₂₃C₆ and M₇C₃ were precipitated around the FeCr_p in the matrix of the α-Cu-Sn structure. Hence, hardness, fatigue life, tensile strength, and the grain coarsening temperature of the Cu-Sn alloy increased and the toughness of the samples decreased The electrical resistivity of sintered specimens was measured in the temperature interval 298-328 K, and in this temperature interval it was seen that the FeCr_p increased electrical and thermal resistance.