Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of copper matrix composites reinforced by copper-coated graphite and Ti3AlC2

Abstract

To solve the poor mechanical properties of graphite-reinforced copper matrix composite, the effect of Ti3AlC2 content on the mechanical properties and dry sliding properties of copper-coated graphite reinforced copper matrix composites was investigated. The results show that the in-situ TiCx-Ti3AlC2-Cu(Al) gradient interface is formed due to the decomposition of partial Ti3AlC2 particles, which can improve the interface bonding strength and enhance the mechanical properties of the composites. With the Ti3AlC2 content increasing, the hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength of the composites increase, while the elongation decreases. The composite reinforced by copper-coated graphite and 5 wt% Ti3AlC2 shows a higher yield strength and tensile strength, increased by 86.2% and 28.6% over the neat Cu, respectively. Besides, the composites exhibit better wear resistance compared with the neat Cu. The wear rate of the composites decreases as the increase of Ti3AlC2 content. The wear mechanism changes from delamination wear of pure Cu to adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear for the composites reinforced by copper-coated graphite and 10 wt% Ti3AlC2.