Relationship between microstructure, properties and reaction conditions for Cu–TiB 2 alloys prepared by in situ reaction

Abstract

Three Cu–TiB 2 alloys (0.45, 1.6, 2.5 wt.% TiB 2) have been prepared by a combination of in situ reaction and rapid solidification under optimized conditions. The relationship between microstructure, properties and in situ reaction condition for these Cu–TiB 2 alloys was investigated and analyzed by modeling. It is shown that the distribution and size of TiB 2 particles are strongly dependent on the choice of in situ reaction conditions and solute concentration; specifically, the size and aggregation level of TiB 2 particles tend to increase as the volume per cent of TiB 2 in the three Cu–TiB 2 alloys increases when the same in situ reaction conditions are used. The forming, coarsening and aggregation models of TiB 2 particles are established. The mechanical properties of three Cu–TiB 2 alloys are directly related to the distribution and size of TiB 2 particles, the change in the grain size and the residual solute concentration. A composite model reveals the separate contributions of these parameters to the mechanical properties.