On the oxidation behaviour of a Cu–10 vol% Cr in situ composite

The oxidation behaviour of copper and Cu–10 vol% Cr in situ composite was studied at 400–700 °C in air and in argon containing 10 ppm O2. Oxidation kinetics was investigated by means of isothermal thermogravimetry and the oxide scales were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of the chromium fibres increases the oxidation resistance compared to unalloyed copper up to 600 °C. The oxidation mechanism and the influence of the different oxidation phenomena on the creep characteristics of the alloy composite are discussed.