Fabrication of Cu10sn + ZrO2 + CNT hybrid nanocomposites by powder metallurgy and investigation of microstructural and mechanical properties

Due to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties compared to pure materials, nanocomposite materials have recently attracted the attention of researchers. Bronze materials have good electrical and thermal conductivities. However, due to their low strength, hardness and wear resistance, industrial applications sometimes have problems. To solve this problem, scientists have succeeded in producing bronze-based composites with high strength, hardness and wear resistance. In this study, bronze matrix hybrid nanocomposites were produced by the powder metallurgy method. Pre-alloyed Cu10Sn powders were used as matrix material and carbon nanotubes (CNT) and Zirconia (ZrO2) were used as reinforcement materials. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites were investigated. As a result of the study, it was found that Zirconia reinforcement had positive effects on hardness and wear behaviour according to reinforcement ratios, while CNT reinforcement had negative effects, and hybrid composites exhibited properties that were the average of both reinforcement properties.