Development and characterisations of microwave sintered (Al<SUB align="right">2O<SUB align="right">3+MoS<SUB align="right">2) reinforced copper-based metal matrix hybrid composites

A new kind of copper based metal matrix hybrid composites were developed using microwave sintering (MWS), an advanced technique. Alumina (Al2O3) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), including chromium (Cr), were utilised as reinforcements in the copper matrix. There were four materials developed and designated as MWS-CC, MWS-MMC1, MWS-MMC2, and MWS-MMC3. These were characterised using a high resolution-scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray, or an energy dispersive spectroscope (EDAX or EDS). XRD analysis exposed the peaks of all the reinforcing particles, including its copper matrix, although the peak intensity of reinforcements is low as compared to the peak intensity of copper due to its low wt. % comparatively. HR-SEM and EDAX analyses revealed the existence of reinforcing particles distributed uniformly in its matrix with its superior interfacing. The relative density, porosity, electrical conductivity, and hardness of the developed hybrid composites were also investigated and reported.