Tensile Behavior of Al₂O₃ Dispersive Strengthened Copper-based Composite at Elevated Temperature

The Al₂O₃ particulates reinforced copper-based composites with high strength and high conductivity at ambient temperature have great potential applications in electrical industry and resistance welding industry. A novel Al₂O₃ particulates reinforced copper-based composite is fabricated by means of internal oxidation method. The microstructure of the composite is investigated under transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tensile strength and plasticity of the composite are determined at the temperature range of 25~1000℃.Resultsshow that the Al₂O₃/Cu composite presents excellent high yield strength and high fracture strength at elevated temperature. The yield strength reaches 154MPa at 600℃.Brittle fracture occurs at elevated temperature with contrast to the ductile fracture at ambient temperature. The brittle fracture mechanism is discussed in brief.