Authors
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Nwambu, C. N
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
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Ekwedigwe, C. M
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Nigeria
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Iyebeye, K. O
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
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Osakwe, F. O1
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Keywords:
Copper, Aluminum, Titanium, Tensile strength, hardness, Microstructure
Abstract
Copper alloy performance enhancement has received a lot of attention in research for industrial applications because of its unique properties. This study investigated the mechanical (tensile strength and hardness) and structural properties of a copper-12wt% aluminum alloy treated with 0.5wt% to 5.0wt% weight percentages of titanium. The metallographic microstructure of the alloy was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy to complement observations from the implemented characterization techniques. The results of the mechanical tests revealed that the addition of titanium particulates composite into copper-12wt% aluminum alloy significantly improved the tensile strength (387 MPa) and hardness (298 BHN) by 42.2%, and 29.5% respectively. Percentage elongation had a downtrend as titanium content increased in the alloy. The microstructure analyses show precipitations of smaller kappa-phases and the presence of a large globular intermetallic compound, which is responsible for improving the alloy’s mechanical properties. The developed alloy can be used to improve the service life of alloy components in sub-sea constructions, including propeller shafts.
Author Biography
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Osakwe, F. O1, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Copper alloy performance enhancement has received a lot of attention in research for industrial applications because of its unique properties. This study investigated the mechanical (tensile strength and hardness) and structural properties of a copper-12wt% aluminum alloy treated with 0.5wt% to 5.0wt% weight percentages of titanium. The metallographic microstructure of the alloy was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy to complement observations from the implemented characterization techniques. The results of the mechanical tests revealed that the addition of titanium particulates composite into copper-12wt% aluminum alloy significantly improved the tensile strength (387 MPa) and hardness (298 BHN) by 42.2%, and 29.5% respectively. Percentage elongation had a downtrend as titanium content increased in the alloy. The microstructure analyses show precipitations of smaller kappa-phases and the presence of a large globular intermetallic compound, which is responsible for improving the alloy’s mechanical properties. The developed alloy can be used to improve the service life of alloy components in sub-sea constructions, including propeller shafts.
