Deformational structure and properties of Cu-Mo explosive compacts

Mixtures of fine powders of copper and molybdenum were subjected to ball milling before shock-wave consolidation. The degree of previous plastic working by milling was varied by varying the milling time. The shock-wave pressure was varied by using different explosives. The microstructure, conduction and porosity of the resulting compacts were investigated. The shock-consolidated powders have extensively deformed particle interiors. The characteristics of the deformed structures of each composite were studied using X-ray diffraction line broadening. It was found that the previous milling produces micro-deformation in the particles which is proportional to the milling time. Additionally, compaction using low detonation velocity explosives increases the micro-strains. With intense prior milling with subsequently higher detonation velocity explosives results in lower micro-strains. Also, crystal defects form sub-boundaries, so a dispersed sub-grain structure results. The particle bonding is improved by intense milling followed by explosive loading, this is shown by measurements of conduction.