Nb-Cu Metallic Composite: SPS preparation, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Authors

  • Hérik Dantas de Lima Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil
  • Marcello Filgueira Centre of Science and Technology, State University of Northern Fluminense, 28013-600, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
  • Alexandre Barbosa de Oliveira Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil
  • Kivia Fabiana Galvão de Araujo Post Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Senador Salgado Filho, 3000 - Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN 59064-720, Brazil
  • Cleber da Silva Lourenço Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil
  • Ariadne de Souza Silva Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil
  • Celmo Hudson Reis De Paula Post Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Senador Salgado Filho, 3000 - Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN 59064-720, Brazil
  • Jussier de Oliveira Vitoriano Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil
  • Maria José Santos Lima Post Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Senador Salgado Filho, 3000 - Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN 59064-720, Brazil
  • Uílame Umbelino Gomes Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil, Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970, Natal, Brazil

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of milling time and sintering temperature on the properties of Nb-Cu, prepared by high-energy milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS). X-ray Diffraction (XRD), laser scanning confocal microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were used to characterize microstructural changes and discuss their influence on the relative density, microhardness, and electrical conductivity of the composite. The samples with higher milling time and temperature had higher values of density. Conductivity reached a maximum value of 1.78 x 10-7(mΩ)-1. The hardness reached was 473.84 HV. Superconductivity analysis revealed a two-stage transition in resistance for Nb-Cu, with drops at 11.2 K and 6.6 K, indicating Cu-Nb interaction effects. This behavior contrasts with the single transition observed in pure Nb. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed a strong positive correlation between microhardness, relative density, and electrical conductivity, indicating that these properties are primarily influenced by sintering temperature.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-02

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright of the published papers and grant to the publisher the right to publish the article, to be cited as its original publisher in case of reuse, and to distribute it in all forms and media. Articles will be distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0).