Study of TiC particle-reinforced Cu matrix composites

TiC particle-reinforced Cu matrix composites were prepared by powder metallurgy technology using electrolytic copper powder and TiC powder as raw materials with the TiC mass fraction of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The effects of sintering temperature and TiC particle content by mass on microstructure and properties of TiC particle-reinforced Cu matrix composites were studied by metallographic microscopy, and the relative density, hardness, electric conductivity, wear rate, and friction coefficient were tested. The results indicate that, except for a small amount of agglomeration, most of TiC particles distribute on the Cu matrix uniformly, and TiC particles and Cu matrix connect well. The density and hardness of Cu matrix composites increase with increasing sintering temperature. The hardness of Cu matrix composites increases with increasing the content of TiC particles by mass. Both the relative density and electric conductivity decline as the content of TiC particles increasing. Wear rate firstly decreases and then increases with increasing the content of TiC particles. The best wear resistance of composites is obtained when the content of TiC particles is 15% by mass. The friction coefficient of Cu matrix composites is significantly lower than that of pure copper. The main wear mechanism of Cu matrix composites is particle wear.