Powder Metallurgy of Copper Based Composite with Silica Sand

The objective of this project was to study the powder metallurgy process and to determine the suitable sintering temperature for copper base composite with silica sand. The scope of study was on powder metallurgy and properties of copper matrix composite with silica sand reinforcement. One of the most important stages in powder metallurgy process was the compaction and sintering process which will determine the green and sintered density. Experiment with sintering temperature of 750oC, 850oC and 950oC was conducted and the sintered products were observed through an optical microscope. Hardness test was carried out on each sample and the results were graphed. With higher sintering temperature, different hardness was obtained depending on the amount of silica added to each sample. From the results, it is concluded that the sintering temperature of 750oC is most suitable to be used for copper composite with 5% to 20% micro silica sand.