Titanium-modified graphite reinforced Cu-Ni composite by multi-arc ion plating technology

Abstract

Multi-arc ion plating technology is used to change the interface of graphite reinforced metal matrix composite for the inaugural time. In this study, graphite reinforced Cu-Ni composite is modified by titanium for promoting mechanical properties. The titanium-coated graphite is prepared by multi-arc ion plating for 30 min at 533 K and titanium-modified graphite reinforced Cu-Ni composite is manufactured by powder metallurgy process. The results showed that the titanium coating with in-situ dispersed TiC particles has the 0.6 μm thickness and consists of three phases: α-Cu phase, graphite phase, and TiC phase. Compared with the unmodified graphite reinforced Cu-Ni composite, the mechanical properties enhance remarkably. Improvement of the flexural strength raises about 52.8% ± 3.3%, the hardness increases about 24.9% ± 3.1%, and the relative density enhances 2.4% ± 0.9%. Further analyses of the interface and modification mechanism indicate that the TiC layer and the transition layer exist at the interface of graphite and copper matrix. The titanium coating on the surface of graphite can efficiently convert the interface of the graphite reinforced Cu-Ni composite through the multi-arc ion plating technology.