Effect of copper addition on the physical properties of alumina by powder method

The research aims to prepare compounds (Alumina-Copper) produced by powder metallurgy technique and to study the effect of adding copper on the alumina ceramic material; the results of the research showed that both the actual density and the bulk density after sintering increase with increasing copper content, for example, the actual density increases from (4.36-5.45) g/cm3, and the bulk density increases from g/m3 ((3.69-5.6). Also, the percentage of actual porosity after sintering decreased from (26-13%) at a copper content of (5%) to (25%). As for the apparent porosity after sintering decreased from (26-9%) at the copper content (5%-25%). The absorption of water was directly proportional to the actual and apparent porosity. Vickers hardness increased after sintering (54-101) Hv at a copper content of (5%-25%). Also, the compressive strength after sintering increased from (73-118) N/mm2 at a copper content of (0%), and the wear rate decreased from g/cm (5.67*10-8) at (0%Cu) to g/cm ((1.00*10-8 at (25% Cu). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the best homogeneous surface was at (25%) copper if it gave a homogeneous surface almost free of defects. The results of the neutrality of the X-rays showed the emergence of new phases that significantly strengthen the composites, improve the mechanical and structural properties, and improve clearly during the crystal structure. Therefore, we find that the emergence of the phase (CuAlO2) is characterized by high durability and strength that hinders crystal dislocations