Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Diamond-Reinforced Cu and Al Metal Matrix Composites Prepared by Cold Spray

Diamond-reinforced metal matrix composites (DMMC) prepared by cold spray are emerging materials simultaneously featuring outstanding thermal conductivity and wear resistance. In our paper, their mechanical fatigue properties relevant to perspective engineering applications were investigated using miniature bending specimens. Two different diamond mass concentrations (20 50%) embedded in two matrices (Al—lighter than diamond, Cu—heavier diamond) compared with the respective cold-sprayed pure metals, as well bulk Al Cu references. The Al, coatings showed typical for deposits, i.e., decreased elastic moduli (50 GPa 80 Cu), limited ductility (< 1 × 10?3) low fracture toughness (3.8 MPa·m0.5 5.6 Cu) when bulks. Significantly improved (strain at fracture, ultimate strength, crack growth resistance, toughness) then observed produced DMMC. improvement can be explained a combination of factors: changes metallic triggered reinforcement particles peening effect stress redistribution due presence.