Abstract

In this study, the fabrication of Al_2O_3/5vol.%Cu nanocomposite and its mechanical property were discussed. The nanocomposite powders were produced by high energy ball milling of Al_2O_3 and Cu elemental powders. The ball-milled powders were sintered with Pulse Electric Current Sintering (PECS) facility. The relative densities of specimens sintered at 1200°C and 1250°C after soaking process at 900°C were 96% and over 97%, respectively. The sintered microstructures were composed of Al_2O_3 matrix and the nano-sized Cu particles distributed on grain boundaries of Al_2O_3 matrix. The nanocomposite exhibited the enhanced fracture toughness compared with general monolithic Al_2O_3. The toughness increase was explained by the crack deflection and bridging by dispersed Cu particles.