Mechanical properties of a bi-continuous Cu–Cr3C2 composite

A series of new Cu–Cr3C2 composites with a three-dimensionally continuous interpenetrating micro-structure was fabricated by porous carbide preforms using a metal infiltration process. The micro-structure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Increasing the carbonisation temperature of the preforms resulted in an increase in the volume fraction of the reinforcing carbide phase and an increase in the Vickers hardness. The average value of Young’s modulus increased from 162 GPa to 202 GPa as the carbonisation temperature of the preforms increased from 1000 °C to 1300 °C. The flexural strength of the composites ranged from 710 MPa to 820 MPa, and the fracture toughness ranged from 14.8 MPa·m1/2 to 19.5 MPa·m1/2.