Effect of ZrB₂ Content on the Properties of Copper Matrix Composite

This study examined the physical, mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties of copper metal matrix composites reinforced with zirconium diboride (ZrB₂). Cu-xZrB₂ composites (x = 0.5, 10, 15, 20 wt.%) were produced by the ball-milling process and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Introducing ZrB₂ particles into copper matrix composites significantly improves their mechanical and tribological properties while deteriorating their density, porosity, and corrosion properties. It was shown that the relative densities of the composites gradually decreased from 96% to 90%, with an increase in the ZrB₂ content to 20 wt.%. Likewise, hardness, compressive strength, and wear resistance improved with increasing ZrB₂ content in the copper matrix. Corrosion resistance tests in a 0.05 M sulfuric acid environment showed a disproportionate decrease in the resistance of this composite with an increase in the concentration of the ceramic phase compared to other environments.