Effect of aging treatment on microstructure and performance of TiC reinforced copper matrix composites

Abstract

In order to improve the comprehensive properties of copper matrix composites, the supersaturated Cu-Ti alloy powder mixed with titanium carbide was prepared by mechanical alloying method. After the prepared powder pressed and sintered, the TiC reinforced Cu matrix composite with Ti as coupling agent was prepared and aged. The effect of aging treatment on the microstructure and properties of composites was analyzed by microstructure observation and property test. The results show that the higher the content of TiC, the higher the hardness of the composites, but the conductivity and corrosion resistance decrease. At the same time, the more dispersed the reinforcing phase on the surface of the composite, the more pores increase, but the overall distribution is more uniform and the combination with the matrix is better. After aging treatment, the second phase Cu4Ti precipitated from couplant Ti and matrix Cu can affect the microstructure and properties of the composite, which is manifested in the reduction of pores on the surface of the composite, and the improvement of hardness, conductivity, density and corrosion resistance than before aging treatment.

Keywords

• tic
• copper matrix composites
• mechanical alloying
• aging treatment
• electrical conductivity
• corrosion resistance