Abstract

An optimum route to fabricate the Al_2O_3/Cu nanocomposites with sound microstructure and improved mechanical properties was investigated. Microstructural investigations for the composites prepared using Al_2O_3/Cu-nitrate showed that fine Cu particles with average size of 150 nm were homogeneously distributed within the Al_2O_3 matrix grains and at the grain boundaries. Fracture strength of 953 MPa and toughness of 4.8 Mpa(equation omitted)m were measured for the composite. The strengthening and toughening of the composites are explained by the refinement of the microstructure and the crack bridging/deflection, respectively.