FABRICATION OF AN ALUMINA–COPPER COMPOSITE USING A CERAMIC PREFORM

Abstract

In this work alumina preforms with an open porosity of 85 and 90% were produced by the replication method. The obtained preforms were used for the fabrication of Cu–Al₂O₃ composites. We analyzed the effect of applying pressure during a hot-pressing process on the microstructure and mechanical and thermal properties of the obtained materials. It was found that application of higher pressure (10 MPa) during sintering led to the destruction of the ceramic preforms. It facili-tated filling of the remaining pores with copper, which resulted in a more homogeneous material with better mechanical and thermal properties.