<![CDATA[Metal matrix composites based on Cu-Ni and FeCNT are promising materials for engineering applications requiring a combination of mechanical and electrical properties. However, the addition of alloying elements and reinforcement can reduce the electrical conductivity of Cu. This study aimed to enhance the hardness of Cu-Ni-FeCNT composites while maintaining adequate electrical conductivity by applying FeCNT pre-milling treatment. FeCNT was first milled by mechanical alloying for 3 h at 1000 rpm and subsequently mixed with Cu and Ni powders by horizontal milling for 2 h at 300 rpm. The powder mixtures were warm-compacted at 200°C and 250 MPa and then sintered at 770°C. The effects of FeCNT content and pre-milling on crystal structure, microstructure, hardness, and electrical conductivity were investigated using X-ray diffraction and other characterization methods. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that the main phase in the powders and sintered composites had a face-centered cubic structure. Pre-milled FeCNT promoted a more uniform microstructure and reduced porosity within the Cu-rich matrix. Increasing FeCNT content increased Vickers hardness, with the highest value of 102.9 HV obtained for the composite containing 7 wt.% pre-milled FeCNT. The same composite exhibited an electrical conductivity of 65.45 % IACS, approximately 18.8% higher than the corresponding composite prepared without pre-milling. These results indicate that FeCNT pre-milling can improve the balance between hardness and electrical conductivity in Cu-Ni-based composites.]]>
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