Fullerene Soot-Reinforced Al-Based Composites and Their Densification Via Copper Addition

Al-based composite materials reinforced with fullerene soot (FS) have been prepared by ball milling and subsequent hot pressing. The effects of FS and Cu content on microstructures and mechanical properties of the Al-based composites were investigated, and the role of Cu additions in Al-FS composites was shown. The composites have a complex dispersion-strengthened structure comprising an Al matrix and carbon nanoparticles embedded in it. Composites have high mechanical properties and 2-5% of porosity, which increased with an increase in FS content. We showed that an addition of 2% Cu to Al-FS composites decreases their porosity down to 0.1% for Al-2%FS-2%Cu. That was associated with the exothermic effect accompanied Al 2 Cu phase formation during hot pressing, leading to more active local sintering, and with the dissolution of oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the particles in the Al 2 Cu phase. Thus, the microhardness of the Al-FS composites reaches 165 HV, while an addition of 2%Cu results in an extra growth of the hardness up to 250 HV.