Thermite welding is an exceptional process that does not require additional energy supplies, resulting in welded joints that exhibit mechanical properties and conductivity equivalent to those of the parent materials. The global adoption of thermite welding is growing across various industries. However, in Korea, limited research is being conducted on the core technology of thermite welding. Currently, domestic production of thermite powder in Korea involves recycling copper oxide (CuO). Unfortunately, controlling the particle size of waste CuO poses challenges, leading to the unwanted formation of pores and cracks during thermite welding. In this study, we investigate the influence of powder particle size on thermite welding in the production of Cu-thermite powder using waste CuO. We conduct the ball milling process for 0.5–24 h using recycled CuO. The evolution of the powder shape and size is analyzed using particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, we examine the thermal reaction characteristics through differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the microstructures of the welded samples are observed using optical microscopy and SEM to evaluate the impact of powder particle size on weldability. Lastly, hardness measurements are performed to assess the strengths of the welded materials.

Alumina dispersion strengthening copper(ADSC) alloy has great potential for use in many industrial applications such as contact supports, frictional break parts, electrode materials for lead wires, and spot welding with relatively high strength and good conductivity. In this study, we investigated the oxidation behavior of ADSC alloys. These alloys were fabricated in forms of plate and round type samples by surface oxidation reaction using Cu-0.8Al, Cu-0.4Al-0.4Ti, and Cu-0.6Al-0.4Ti(wt%) alloys. The alloys were oxidized at 980 oC for 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h in ambient atmosphere. The microstructure was observed with an optical microscope(OM) and a scanning electron microscope(SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS). Characterization of alumina was carried out using a 200 kV field-emission transmission electron microscope(TEM). As a result, various oxides including Ti were formed in the oxidation layer, in addition to γ-alumina. The thickness of the oxidation layer increased with Ti addition to the Cu-Al alloy and with the oxidation time. The corrected diffusion equation for the plate and round type samples showed different oxidation layer thickness under the same conditions. Diffusion length of the round type specimen had a value higher than that of its plate counterpart because the oxygen concentration per unit area of the round type specimen was higher than that of the plate type specimen at the same diffusiondepth.

The alumina dispersion-strengthened (DS) C15715 Cu alloy fabricated by a powder metallurgy route was annealed at temperatures ranging from in the air and in vacuum. The effect of the annealing on microstructural stability and room-temperature mechanical properties of the alloy was investigated. The microstructure of the cold rolled OS alloy remained stable until the annealing at in the air and in vacuum. No recrystallization of original grains occurred, but the dislocation density decreased and newly formed subgrains were observed. The alloy annealed at in the air experienced recrystallization and grain growth took place, however annealing in vacuum at did not cause the microstructural change. The mechanical property of the alloy was changed slightly with the annealing if the microstructure remained stable. However, the strength of the specimen that was recrystallized decreased drastically.