In the heart of Coimbatore, India, researchers are pushing the boundaries of material science, and their latest findings could send ripples through the energy sector. P Siva, a mechanical engineering expert from JCT College of Engineering and Technology, has been leading a team investigating a novel class of hybrid composites that could redefine the way we think about conductivity, strength, and durability in high-performance applications.
The team’s focus? Copper-based composites infused with boron carbide (B4C) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3). Using a process called powder metallurgy, they’ve created a range of composites with varying weight percentages of these reinforcements. The goal? To enhance the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of copper, a material already widely used in the energy sector for its excellent conductivity.
The process begins with ball milling, where the composite powders are mixed at a speed of 170 rpm for three hours. This is followed by compaction and sintering at 900°C for three hours. The result? A fine dispersal of reinforcements within the copper matrix, as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis.
The findings are promising. The composite with the highest reinforcement—9wt% B4C and 15wt% MoO3—showed a remarkable hardness of 289 HV and a compressive strength of 589 MPa. “The enhanced mechanical properties are a result of the uniform distribution of reinforcements and the strong interfacial bonding between the matrix and the reinforcements,” explains Siva.
But the benefits don’t stop at mechanical properties. The same composite also exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity (203 W mK⁻¹) and electrical conductivity (22 MS m⁻¹) among the tested samples. This could be a game-changer for applications where controlled conductivity is crucial.
Moreover, the composite showed a corrosion rate of 0.04 g and a wear rate of 149 microns, indicating excellent resistance to harsh environments. “These properties make the composite highly suitable for applications in the energy sector, where materials are often exposed to extreme conditions,” says Siva.
The research, published in the journal ‘Materials Research Express’ (which translates to ‘Materials Research Express’ in English), opens up new avenues for developing high-performance materials tailored for specific applications. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for materials that can withstand extreme conditions while maintaining optimal performance is only set to increase.
This research could shape future developments in the field, paving the way for materials that are not only stronger and more durable but also more efficient in their conductivity properties. As we move towards a future powered by renewable energy, such advancements could play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of energy systems.
In the words of Siva, “This is just the beginning. The potential of these composites is vast, and we are excited to explore further.” And with such promising results, the energy sector has every reason to be excited too.