Effect of La2O3 Content on Microstructure and Properties of Al2O3/Cu Matrix Composites

Using La2O3 powder, Al powder, CuO powder as raw materials and pure copper as matrix, particle-reinforced Cu matrix composites were prepared by in-situ synthesis technology and near melting point casting method. The effect of La2O3 content on the microstructure and properties of Cu matrix composites prepared by the Al-CuO system was studied. The results show that nano-Al2O3 particles can be obtained by adding La2O3, which are dispersed in the Cu matrix. The structure of the prepared material is finer and more uniform, and its electrical conductivity and wear performance are significantly improved. When 0.6%La2O3 (mass fraction) is added, the electrical conductivity of the composite reaches 90.7%LkCS, and the amount of wear reaches the minimum. Compared with those of the material without adding La2O3, the electrical conductivity increases by 10.1%, and the amount of wear decreases by 36.3%.