Enhancing the physical properties of Mo-Cu composites through plasma spheroidized spherical molybdenum powder

This paper investigates the preparation of spherical molybdenum-copper (Mo-Cu) composites through the utilization of plasma spheroidization1 of molybdenum powder, followed by 'Carbon thermal pre-reduction + Hydrogen deep reduction2' processes. The properties of these composites are analyzed. By adjusting the mass ratio of molybdenum to copper and employing mechanical activation during high-temperature sintering, Mo and Cu are dispersed more uniformly, resulting in improved fluidity and a reduced tendency to agglomerate in x% Mo-Cu (x = 20, 40, 60, 80) composites. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to original powder Mo-Cu composites, the prepared spherical Mo-Cu composites exhibit uniform elemental distribution, regular arrangement, and reduced porosity. Among these, the 60% Mo (spherical)-Cu composites show the best dispersion and superior performance. At the optimal sintering temperature of 1250°C, the thermal conductivity of the sintered product increased from 137 Wm−1K−1 to 148 Wm−1K−1, the electrical conductivity increased from 18.9 MS/m to 21.8 MS/m, and the Vickers hardness increased from 177 HV to 209 HV.