Mo70Cu30 composites synthesized by infiltration sintering and hot rolling with simultaneously improved mechanical and electrical properties

In this study, Cu@Mo composite powders, prepared using an electroless plating method, were applied to synthesize Mo70Cu30 composites using infiltration sintering and hot rolling technologies. Microstructure, mechanical properties and physical properties of the synthesized Mo70Cu30 composites were studied. Results showed that the prepared Cu@Mo composite powders have a core-shell structure with Mo particles uniformly coated with Cu layers. Density values of Mo70Cu30 composites before and after the hot rolling process are 98.45% and 99.79%, their tensile strengths are 517 MPa and 753 MPa, and their thermal conductivities are 179.7 W/(m·K) and 214.6 W/(m·K), respectively. Formation of network Cu channels in the Mo70Cu30 composite is beneficial for achieving uniform microstructures, increased density, and enhanced thermal conductivity. Rolling process deforms the Cu phase into a fibrous shape, forming a good thermal conductivity channel and refining the Mo phase grains. The enhancement in the mechanical properties of the composites is attributed to the combined mechanisms of deformation strengthening and fine grain strengthening.