Study on the fabrication and performance of 3D-Network SiC/Cu composites

ABSTRACT 3D-Network SiC ceramic was prepared using a polymer sponge replica technique with SiC ceramic slurry (77 wt% solid content). The triangular hole defects in 3D-Network SiC ceramic were reduced and the mechanical properties were improved by high-pressure spraying and vacuum infiltration. The 3D-Network SiC/Cu composite material was fabricated by the gravity casting technique, and the interfacial bonding and abrasion resistance of the composites were tested and analyzed. The results show that the compressive strength of high-pressure sprayed 3D-Network SiC ceramic increased slightly from 0.67 Mpa to 0.74 Mpa due to the triangular hole defects left when the polymer sponge was decomposed at high temperatures. The mechanical properties of 3D-Network SiC ceramics that have been vacuum infiltrated in alumina and a mixture composed of alumina and andalusite were greatly improved, and their compressive strength was increased to 1.02Mpa and 1.57Mpa, respectively. The interface between SiC and Cu in the 3D-Network SiC/Cu composites prepared by different processes shows excellent bonding, and the abrasion resistance of the 3D-Network SiC/Cu composites prepared by different processes was 2.02–9.18 times that of pure copper respectively. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT