Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Diamond-Reinforced Cu and Al Metal Matrix Composites Prepared by Cold Spray

Diamond-reinforced metal matrix composites (DMMC) prepared by cold spray are emerging materials simultaneously featuring outstanding thermal conductivity and wear resistance. In our paper, their mechanical and fatigue properties relevant to perspective engineering applications were investigated using miniature bending specimens. Two different diamond mass concentrations (20 and 50%) embedded in two metal matrices (Al—lighter than diamond, Cu—heavier than diamond) were compared with the respective cold-sprayed pure metals, as well as bulk Al and Cu references. The pure Al, Cu coatings showed properties typical for cold spray deposits, i.e., decreased elastic moduli (50 GPa for Al, 80 GPa for Cu), limited ductility (< 1 × 10−3) and low fracture toughness (3.8 MPa·m0.5 for Al, 5.6 MPa·m0.5 for Cu) when compared to the bulks. Significantly improved properties (strain at fracture, ultimate strength, fatigue crack growth resistance, fracture toughness) were then observed for the produced DMMC. The improvement can be explained by a combination of two factors: changes in the properties of the metallic matrix triggered by the reinforcement particles peening effect and stress redistribution due to the particles presence.