Research Projects

Copper is a popular electrical and thermal conductor due to its high electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and low cost. However, pure copper is soft and prone to wear, abrasion, creep, and fatigue. Bulk alloying with metals like Zn, Sn, Si, and Al improves Cu's mechanical strength but affects its electrical conductivity. Alignment with metals like Cr or Be enhances Cu's hardness and wear resistance without compromising conductivity. Mechanical alloying (MA) is a convenient method for synthesis, but the development of a nano-tungsten powder dispersed/extended solid solution of CuCr-Ag/CuCr-Nb has not been explored. Consolidation of mechanically alloyed powders is crucial for developing wear-resistant electrical contacts and components.