Synthesizing and characterization of Cu-WC-Si composite prepared by using planetary ball milling

Cu-WC-Si composites were synthesized by using a planetary ball milling. Different composition of elemental Cu, WC and Ti powders were mixed and milled for 5 and 10 hours in an open air. The powder characterized before and after milling to expose the effect of milling variables on particle size, homogenization and contamination. Analyzing carried out by using X-ray and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The as milled particle size and homogenization generally influenced by milling time and tungsten Carbide (WC) content. With longer milling time and higher tungsten carbide content, particle size becomes smaller and smaller. The average particle sizes of the as milled powder are in ranged from 5μm to 30 μm and strongly depend on the copper content.