Effect of heat treatment at different stages of mechanical alloying on the Cu–Y2O3 composites synthesized using Y2(CO3)3 precursor

This work synthesized Cu–Y 2 O 3 alloy via mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering, and the impact of heat treatment at various stages of ball milling on the microstructure, mechanical, and physical properties of Cu–Y 2 O 3 alloy was systematically examined. Results show that heat treatment during initial ball milling causes Y 2 O 3 agglomeration, resulting in an increase in particle size to 112.8 ± 19.6 μm. In contrast, heat treatment during the middle and late stages of ball milling effectively refines powder particles, enhancing material density and overall properties. Furthermore, post-heat treatment, Y 2 O 3 particles can be further refined through ball milling, reducing crystal particle size from 6.4 ± 2.8 nm to 4.2 ± 1.7 nm. This process mitigates cold welding effects, prevents local enrichment, and ensures a more uniform distribution of Y 2 O 3 particles.