Comparison of the effects of microwave and spark plasma sintering on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of Cu-LaB6 nanocomposites

The effects of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) nano-particles on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties copper-based nanocomposites (Cu-LaB6) produced using microwave sintering (MS) spark plasma (SPS) processes were investigated in this study. Nano LaB6 particles reduced electrical conductivity Cu matrix via MS SPS by 20% 13%, respectively. Cu-LaB6 had lower thermal than unreinforced Cu. conductivities nanocomposite process higher those process. An equation that takes particle volume ratio porosity into account was developed to predict from their conductivity. calculated values for very close experimental results. much hardness compressive strength 49% 38%, respectively, compared manufactured MS. Although nano reinforcement Cu, having high combining positive influences