Sintering behavior of Cr in different atmospheres and its effect on the microstructure and properties of copper-based composite materials

Copper matrix composites consisting of chromium (Cr) or ferrochrome (Cr-Fe) as strengthening elements and molybdenum disulfide as a lubricant had been sintered in nitrogen and hydrogen atmosphere, respectively. Their morphology and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis showed that serious interaction occurred between MoS₂ and Cr (or Cr-Fe) particles when the samples were sintered in hydrogen atmosphere. Chromium sulfide compound (Cr_xS_y) was formed as a reaction product, which decreased the density and strength of the composites remarkably. This interaction was inhibited when the samples were sintered in nitrogen atmosphere; thus, the mechanical properties of the composites were improved.