Effect of Cu-Ti-C reaction composition on reinforcing particles size of TiC _x/Cu composites

Abstract

TiC _x/Cu composites were fabricated by combustion synthesis and hot press technology. Using XRD, SEM, EDS, FESEM analysis methods, the effects of various carbon sources and different Cu contents on the microstructures of TiC _x/Cu composites and the size of TiC _x particles were investigated. Results showed that TiC _x reinforcing particles size increases with decreasing Cu content in Cu-Ti-C reaction system. With carbon nanotubes (carbon black) serving as carbon source, the generated TiC _x particles size transits from nanometer to submicron when Cu content corresponding to the reaction system is reduced to 60 vol% (70 vol%); while graphite serves as carbon source, there is no clear limiting concentration. C particles with smaller size, larger specific surface area and better distribution result in finer TiC _x particles, which is more beneficial to generating nano-sized TiC _x/Cu composites.

Keywords

TiC _x/Cu / different composition / limiting concentration / nano-sized

References

[1] Li J, Qian H C, Peng X D. Cast Metal Matrix Composites Particles [J]. Machinery, 1996, 23(3): 44-46.

[2] Xiong Y J, Deng Z Q, Ling X Z. Study on TiB₂ Particulate Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites[J]. Jourmal of South University of Technology, 2001, 32(3): 592-594.

[3] Xu Q, Zhang X H, Han J C, et al. Combustion Synthesis and Densification of Titanium Diboride-Copper Matrix Composite[J]. Mater. Lett., 2003, 57: 4439-4444.

[4] Capaldi M J, Saidi A, Wood J V. Reaction Synthesis of TiC and Fe-TiC Composites[J]. ISIJ Int., 1997, 37(2): 188-193.

[5] Li P J, Kandalova E G, Nikitin V I, et al. Preparation of Al-TiC Composites by Self-Propagating High-temperature Synthesis[J]. Scripta Mater., 2003, 49(7): 699-703.

[6] Zhang X H, He X D, Han J C. Combustion Synthesis and Densification of Large-scale TiC-xNi Cermets[J]. Mater. Lett., 2002, 56(3): 183-187.

[7] Yamamoto T, Otsuki A, Ishihara K. Synthesis of Near Net Shape High Density TiB/Ti Composite[J]. Mat. Sci. Eng. A, 1997, 239-240: 647-651.

[8] Tjong S C, Ma Z Y. Microstructural and Mechanical Characteristics of in situ Metal Matrix Composites[J]. Mat. Sci. Eng. R, 2000, 29: 49-113.

[9] Liu J S, Xiao H N, Shu Z, et al. Study on the Preparation of Composites by Thermal Explosion[J]. Materials Science and Engineering, 1998, 16(3): 64-66.

[10] Arzt E. Size Effects in Materials due to Microstructural and Dimensional Constraints: a Comparative Review[J]. Acta Materialia, 1998, 46(16): 5611-5626.

[11] Clegg W J. A Stress Analysis of the Tensile Deformation of Metal-Matrix Composites[J]. Acta Metallurgica, 1988, 36(8): 2141-2149.

[12] Doel T J A, Bowen P. Tensile Properties of Particulate-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites[J]. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 1996, 27(8): 655-665.

[13] Shi X G, Liu F, Wang Y, et al. The Latest Developments and Trends of Nano Particulate-Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites[J]. Metallurgical Information Review, 2007, 1: 26-29.

[14] Jia D C. Influence of SiC Particulate Size on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Al–6Ti–6Nb Matrix Composites [J]. Mat. Sci. Eng. A, 2000, 289: 83-89.

[15] Liang Y H, Han Z W, Lin Z H, et al. Study on the Reaction Behavior of Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis of TiC Ceramic in the Cu–Ti–C System[J]. Int. J. Refract. Met. Hard Mater., 2012, 35: 221-227.

[16] Liang Y H, Han Z W, Li X J, et al. Study on the Reaction Mechanism of Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis of TiC in the Cu–Ti–C System[J]. Mater. Chem. Phys., 2012, 137: 200-206.

[17] Liang Y H, Zhao Q, Han Z W, et al. Reaction Behavior of TiC/Cu Composite via Thermal Explosion Reaction (TE) under Ar and Air Atmosphere[J]. Corros. Sci., 2015, 93: 283-292.

[18] Zhu X G. Preparation of Flake Graphite Powder and Research on the Performance of Polymer (UPR) Conductive Composites[J]. Chemical Engineering & Equipment, 2009, 2: 5-8.

[19] Yao Y. Preparation Process of Micron Graphite Particles Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites[D]. 2013 Shenyang: Shenyang University.

[20] Cai X. Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering[M]. 2010 Shanghai: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press.