Elemental Titanium Research Articles

Composição química de revestimentos frios e a influência na refletância solar e emitância térmica

Abstract Cool materials have higher values of solar reflectance and lower values of thermal emittance, although still high when compared to conventional coatings, thus, their surfaces are less heated. In this regard, the goal was to identify the chemical elements present on cool surfaces that influence solar reflectance and thermal emittance. To this end, the spectral reflectance and the thermal emittance were measured with methods and equipment standardized by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) of 23 elastomeric cool coatings commercialized in the Brazilian market, and the chemical composition of the surfaces with EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray detector) coupled to the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was analyzed. The presence of the metallic chemical element (titanium) in greater quantities on the surfaces was not decisive for lower thermal emittance values. The surfaces of materials with lower carbon and higher oxygen content have higher near infrared and solar reflectance. Therefore, surfaces with a matte finish have higher solar reflectance values because of the higher ratio of pigments in relation to resin than those with a glossy finish, which are mistakenly associated with higher reflectance due to its high surface gloss.

Nanotube formation and coating of hydroxyapatite-polyvinyl alcohol-collagen composite on Ti-6Al-4V metal alloy

Abstract Ti-6Al-4V metal is widely used as an implantable material due to its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance; however, it has low bioactive properties. The formation of nanotubes and a hydroxyapatite-polyvinyl alcohol-collagen composite coating on Ti-6Al-4V metal aims to enhance its biocompatibility and bioactivity. The nanotube oxide layer Ti-6Al-4V was formed by the anodization method. The composite’s infrared spectrum showed characteristic absorption bands from Hydroxyapatite (HAp), polyvinyl alcohol, and collagen. The composite-coated Ti-6Al-4V metal, both non-nanotube, and nanotube, showed a typical diffraction pattern of HAp and titanium element. The electron microscope image showed the uniform granular form of HAp. The corrosion test results showed that composite-coated nanotube Ti-6Al-4V metal could not improve corrosion resistance. It is also relevant to the in vitro test in a lactate ringer solution that showed the higher Ca2+ ion of nanotube Ti-6Al-4V metal than that of non-nanotube Ti-6Al-4V metal.

Influence of platinum content on semiconductor and electrochemical properties of materials based on titanium suboxides

The effect of platinum content on the surface morphology, phase composition and electrochemical properties of materials based on titanium suboxides was investigated. Titanium suboxides are formed at the stage of coating reduction under cathodic polarization, which allows the formation of a porous developed surface for electrodeposition of catalytic platinum layers. The main allotropic modification of TiOx in the studied composite materials is anatase, which contains particles of elemental titanium and platinum. The investigated materials are highly doped semiconductors with a high concentration of charge carriers. With an increase in the platinum content, an extreme dependence of the potential of flat zones is observed, which is associated with the formation of a composite material. The electrocatalytic activity was studied in the reactions of oxygen and hydrogen evolution. The overvoltage of oxygen production on platinum-containing materials is much lower than on the TiOx electrode. The slope of the linear dependence of the potential on the current density decreases with an increase in platinum content. The Tafel slope for the studied materials in the hydrogen evolution reaction was 160 mVdec–1 for coatings containing 0.25 mgcm–2 Pt; whereas it was equal to 42 and 43 mVdec–1 for electrodes with 0.5 and 2 mgcm–2 Pt, respectively.

Investigation of the Effect of Milling Time on Elemental Powders of Oxi‐Reduction Nickel and Hydrogenation–Dehydrogenation Titanium

Mechanical alloying (MA) is widely applied in the synthesis of blended elemental or prealloyed powders. This work evaluates the effect of milling time on elemental nickel and titanium powders produced by oxi‐reduction and the hydrogenation–dehydrogenation process, respectively. The powders are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, particle size, powder yield, and differential scanning calorimetry. It is observed that increasing the milling time promotes the formation of a structure composed of thin lamellae of nickel and titanium, which results in the beneficial effect of lowering the temperature for the formation of the intermetallic of the Ni–Ti system and in the powder yield achieved. The reduction of milling time in the MA process of NiTi alloys enhances technological efficiency by decreasing their overall processing time.

Effect of Sulfurization Temperature on Properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films and Diffusion of Ti Substrate Elements

The addition of flexible Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells to titanium (Ti) substrates is an attractive way to achieve the low-cost manufacturing of photovoltaics. Prior research has indicated that the appropriate diffusion of Ti elements can enhance the crystalline growth of CZTS films. However, the excessive diffusion of Ti has been shown to adversely affect the photovoltaic performance of CZTS photovoltaic devices. Therefore, it is essential to regulate the diffusion of Ti elements within CZTS thin films to optimize their photovoltaic properties. The tendency for Ti substrate elements to diffuse into CZTS films is also influenced by the activation energy associated with these Ti elements. The sulfurization temperature is posited to be a critical factor in modulating the diffusion and activation energy of Ti elements within CZTS thin films. Consequently, this research investigates the alteration of the sulfurization temperature of CZTS thin films in order to enhance the properties of these thin films and to examine the diffusion behavior of titanium elements. The results reveal that as the sulfurization temperature increases, the diffusion of Ti elements within the CZTS thin films initially increases, then decreases, and subsequently increases again. This pattern suggests that the diffusion of Ti elements is affected not only by the activation energy of the Ti elements but also by the defect hopping distance within the CZTS thin films. Notably, at a sulfurization temperature of 550 °C, the grains at the base of the CZTS thin film demonstrate an increased density, which is associated with a reduced defect hopping distance, thereby hindering the diffusion of Ti elements within the CZTS thin films. Furthermore, at this specific sulfurization temperature, the slope of the current–voltage (I–V) curve for the CZTS/Ti structure reaches its maximum, indicating optimal ohmic contact characteristics.

The Sol-Gel Process, a Green Method Used to Obtain Hybrid Materials Containing Phosphorus and Zirconium.

The sol-gel process is a green method used in the last few decades to synthesize new organic-inorganic phosphorus-containing hybrid materials. The sol-gel synthesis is a green method because it takes place in mild conditions, mostly by using water or alcohol as solvents, at room temperature. Therefore, the sol-gel method is, among others, a promising route for obtaining metal-phosphonate networks. In addition to phosphorus, the obtained hybrid materials could also contain titanium, zirconium, boron, and other elements, which influence their properties. The sol-gel process has two steps: first, the sol formation, and second, the transition to the gel phase. In other words, the sol-gel process converts the precursors into a colloidal solution (sol), followed by obtaining a network (gel). By using the sol-gel method, different organic moieties could be introduced into an inorganic matrix, resulting in organic-inorganic hybrid structures (sometimes they are also referred as organic-inorganic copolymers).

A novel rapid fabrication method and in-situ densification mechanism for ceramic matrix composite

The extensive application of ceramic matrix composites has always been limited due to the long-period and expensive process. Hence, this research introduces a rapid manufacturing method named as ViSfP-TiCOP (High Viscosity Solvent-free Precursor Combined Elemental Titanium Controlled Pyrolysis). The solvent-free precursor possesses high viscosity (30 °C, 106 mPa S) and wide molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw = 3.3), accomplishing stable loading of inorganic fillers. Simultaneously, the elementary titanium and ZrB2, as the active and inert filler, are dopped into the precursor to control the pyrolysis. The ViSfP-TiCOP technique offers a rapid method to manufacture CMCs under pressureless and low pyrolysis temperature conditions (1200 °C). Comparing to the addition of ZrB2, the precursor with titanium provides an exceptional ceramic yield of 87 wt%, leading a notable enhancement in the rate of densification. This high densification efficiency is attributed to an in-situ titanium gas-phase reaction, besides with the high degree of cross-linking and low volatile of precursor. After undergoing three cycles of impregnation-pyrolysis, the porosity of C/SiBCN–Ti was discovered to be below 10 vol%, whereas that of C/SiBCN-25 wt%ZrB2 still remained as high as 20.91 vol%. The ViSfP-TiCOP technology can provide guidance for low-cost and rapid preparation of CMCs.

Comprehensive study on physicochemical properties of materials based on titanium suboxides

This study focuses on the surface structures and microstructural changes of titanium dioxide nanotubes, when electrochemically coated with platinum and/or palladium. Ti samples anodized in a fluorine-containing electrolyte exhibit self-organized nanotubes of varying diameters with open pores. Annealing at 773 K led to compaction of the porous layer, the formation of cracks, and the appearance of corrugation in the nanotubes. The deposition of platinum produced a transition from a nanotubular surface structure to a microcrystalline structure consisting of rutile crystallites. The palladium-coated samples showed fused blocks characteristic of titanium suboxides. The tubular structure was preserved, even after crystallization. SEM images revealed a comb-like pattern in coatings with varying metal content. XRPD analysis confirmed the presence of anatase and elemental titanium. PdO was detected on the surface of the thermally treated samples. For samples co-treated with Pd and Pt, mutual diffusion of the two metals took place during the heat treatment. The findings reveal surface characteristics, metal deposition effects, and phase composition of titania nanotubes, providing valuable insights for further research.

Recovery of niobium and titanium from low-grade niobium ores and the evaluation of Fe5Si3 alloy by-product as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts

A low-grade ore containing 4 % niobium and 7 % titanium has been extracted from Bayan Obo tailing, but its potential has not been fully utilized. This study aims to recover the niobium and titanium elements from this low-grade ores in the form of their carbides. The process involves reducing niobium and titanium to (Nb,Ti)C through a carbothermal process. During this process, iron and silicon are also reduced to Fe-Si intermetallic compounds, allowing (Nb,Ti)C to diffuse into them. Subsequently, selective electrochemical oxidation is used to separate (Nb,Ti)C from the Fe-Si intermetallic compounds in an aqueous ferrous sulfate solution. The Fe-Si intermetallic compounds are first oxidized to the Fe3Si phase, and then to the Fe5Si3 phase in the solution with pH 0.35. The (Nb,Ti)C/matrix interfaces are identified as the preferred site of electrochemical pitting corrosion. By exploiting the electrochemical oxidation reaction of iron in the matrix, (Nb,Ti)C powders are separated along these interfaces. The by-products of this process are FeSi alloys, which are evaluated for their electrocatalytic properties in oxygen evolution reactions. It is found that the Fe5Si3 alloy by-product exhibits good electrocatalytic activity and kinetics in the oxygen evolution reaction, demonstrating its potential for practical applications.

A screening method for detection of TiO2 in food based on Raman spectroscopy and its applicability in a regulatory context

Starting from August 7, 2022, with the publication of the European Regulation EU 2022/63, the European Commission has prohibited the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (E 171) as a food additive within the European Union (EU). As the food industry has the obligation to adapt the formulation of their products accordingly, it is now crucial for EU member states' competent authorities and official control laboratories to have adequate analytical methods to ensure compliance with this new regulation. The existing literature predominantly focuses on quantitatively determining the elemental titanium (Ti) concentration by ICP-based techniques after complete digestion of the analyte and the food matrix. Compared to this approach, Raman spectroscopy would offer the possibility of a more rapid albeit qualitative screening by identifying the insoluble fraction of titanium dioxide after removing the food matrix. It is also important to note that compliance with the EU ban requires determining the presence of TiO2 in particulate form, an information that Raman spectroscopy can easily deliver. As a further advantage, an analytical approach based on Raman spectroscopy eliminates the need for using particularly harmful acids, which are necessary for the complete digestion of TiO2, when ICP-based analytical methods are employed. In the present study, the aim was first to gather information on the commonly occurring total Ti levels in food and, second, to discuss the potential of a newly developed Raman procedure based on TiO2 extraction by mild acid digestion of the food product as a rapid, safer albeit qualitative screening method. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Raman procedure in verifying compliance with the European Regulation, the qualitative results obtained using a macro-Raman instrument were compared with those obtained through ICP-based techniques on the same food samples, used as benchmark. In total 22 food-samples belonging to 6 different food categories were analysed. The sampling was conducted in the Italian, Belgian, and French markets both before and after the EU ban on E 171 entered into force. The limit of detection, qualitatively established, was 50 mg kg−1, which effectively encompasses the majority of food items containing E 171, as supported by the extensive literature review. The results obtained with the Raman screening method were found to align well with information reported on product labels and benchmark quantitative data.

Impact of titanium modification on the performance improvement and phase change mechanism of ZnSb thin film

Phase change memory has emerged as a promising option for neuro-inspired and data-intensive AI applications, attracting significant attention from the semiconductor field recently. The performance of the device relies on the phase change material, aiming for enhanced thermal stability along with low power consumption. Nanocomposite ZnSb thin films with titanium dopant were prepared and their crystallization properties and mechanisms were investigated. Compared to pure ZnSb material, the addition of titanium can significantly enhance the temperature of crystallization and the 10-year data retention ability, both of which surpassing 16 °C. The obvious enhancement in thermal stability may be ascribed to the ionic bond formation between titanium and antimony elements, as indicated by differential charge calculations. Also, phase change memory cells with a diameter of 190 nm were fabricated using standard CMOS technology. The Ti-doped ZnSb thin film demonstrates rapid crystallization and amorphization within 50 ns while consuming low power at approximately 1.5 × 10−10 J. The decrease in power consumption may stem from the increase in band gap energy and a decrease in electrical conductivity, as confirmed by first-principles calculations. Both experimental and theoretical results prove that titanium doping can remarkably improve the physical properties of ZnSb thin film, facilitating the exploration and design of novel phase change materials with high thermal stability, low power consumption, as well as fast switching speed.

Enhancing Mild Steel Surface Characteristics through Electrical Discharge Coating with Titanium Dioxide Suspension

In this research, surface modification of mild steel was carried out by using electric discharge coating (EDC) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder suspension. The concentrations of TiO2 powder were varied and their effect on the surface roughness and deposited element were investigated. The results showed that elements such as titanium, carbon, copper, oxygen, zinc and iron were successfully coated on the mild steel surface. Aside from that, the weight % of the titanium element increased with an increase of TiO2 powder concentration. The surface roughness was also reduced 62.9% by using 5 g/l TiO2 powder when compared to the pure kerosene oil.

Effect of nano-metallic coating on the wetting of silicon by molten tin at 800 °C

The effects of different nano-metal coatings on the wettability of liquid tin on monocrystalline silicon at 800 °C were discussed, aiming at optimizing the metal bonding technology in high-density chip packaging. Nanometal coatings with different combinations, including silver (Ag), titanium (Ti) and their layered coatings (Ag + Ti), were deposited on monocrystalline silicon by magnetron sputtering, and comparative experiments were carried out. The experimental results show that the metal coating with a thickness of tens of nanometers is enough to completely change the wettability of the system. The improvement of wettability does not follow the idea of active brazing, i.e., there is no need to introduce interfacial active element titanium, and better wettability can be obtained. In the wetting of tin and monocrystalline silicon coated with Ag/Ti or Ti/Ag layered coating, the solid/liquid interface near the triple line forms “pyramid” microstructures, which play a “pinning” role on the triple line. The wettability of monocrystalline silicon coated with a single silver coating with a thickness of 80 nm cannot be significantly improved, and the final wettability is equivalent to the intrinsic wettability of the Sn/Si system (contact angle of 61.2°). When the coating thickness is 160 nm, due to the enrichment of silver at the solid/liquid interface, the locally dissolved silicon precipitates and crystallizes, so that the area of the solid/liquid interface increases, and the triple line cannot be withdrawn. The research results will provide ideas for the optimization and design of metal-substrate bonding in high-density chip packaging.

From screens to seas: Tech contaminants in tiger sharks

The potential negative impacts of Technology-Critical Elements (TCEs) on the environment and wildlife, despite increasingly recognized, remain largely overlooked. In this sense, this study aimed to investigate the concentrations of several TCEs, including rubidium (Rb), titanium (Ti) and various Rare Earth Elements (REEs), in different tissues of tiger sharks. Sharks incidentally caught by artisanal fleets in southern Brazil were opportunistically sampled and liver, gills, kidneys, heart, muscle, eyes, brain, skin, and teeth were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Significant Rb concentration variations were observed across different tissues, with higher levels detected in kidneys and lower levels in the liver. Titanium concentrations also exhibited significant differences, with higher levels detected in teeth and lower levels in liver. Although no statistical differences were observed for the analyzed REEs, a trend of higher accumulation in the liver, gills, and skin was noted. Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) were found predominantly in all organs, with neodymium, lanthanum, and cerium as the most significant REEs detected. Several statistically significant correlations were identified between Rb and REEs, as well as between Ti and REEs, indicating systemic transport of these elements across different tissues. These findings indicate that the growing extraction and disposal of metallic elements, driven by technological advancements, may lead to their assimilation by marine fauna, particularly at higher trophic levels. The potential harmful effects on these organisms remain unknown and require urgent investigation. Additionally, as mining activities intensify globally, precise legislative measures are essential to address environmental concerns, species conservation, and human health considerations.

Synergistic effect of Zr and Ti on microstructure and properties for Nb[sbnd]Si based in-situ composites

To reduce the adverse effects of highly active titanium elements in NbSi alloy, a series of high content of Zr and Zr for Ti substitution in NbSi based alloys are studied. The results show that the addition of Zr changes the solidification path from hypoeutectic to eutectic. The fracture toughness significantly enhances in 24Ti-xZr (x = 0, 4, 8, 16) alloys, owing to the increase of Nbss phases and microstructure refinement in the matrix. Moreover, the room-temperature compression properties increase in 24Ti-xZr alloys, resulting in the effect of significant solution strengthen. In 24Ti16Zr alloys, three-types of Nbss/Nb5Si3 eutectic are found, resulting in large supercooling degree and rapid cooling condition. The maximum KQ value and compressive strength are 12.47 MPa·m1/2 and 1800 MPa respectively in 24Ti16Zr alloys. The KQ values in Nb-16Si-(24-x)Ti-xZr (x = 4, 8, 16, 24) alloys enhance with element Zr increases to 16 at.% and then decline slightly, suggesting that appropriate substitution of Zr for Ti is effective for promotion of toughness. It's owing to the formation of complex Nbss/(Nb, X)5Si3 eutectic. The high-temperature compressive strength is also prepared (1200 °C), element Zr can provide a signally work hardening by making a strong cooperative deformation of Nbss and γNb5Si3 phases, and the highest true stress values are found in 8Ti16Zr alloys.

Preparation of Oil Palm Leaves Ash-Supported Titania for the Elimination of Safranin-O Dye in Water

ABSTACT. The objective of this study was to develop an approach for incorporating titanium oxide or titania into oil palm leaves ash (OPLA) using a simple procedure. The study process comprised the mixing of oil palm leaves (OPL) powder and titanium tetraisopropoxide in chloroform solvent, followed by the elimination of the solvent to obtain a solid residue. Subsequently, the residue obtained was calcined at 500 °C for 5 hours, leading to the production of a yellow-light powder. The results of product characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the presence of titanium oxide in OPLA. In addition, the wide diffractogram detected in XRD analysis revealed the presence of a silica peak. The un-sharp peaks in the regions of 25.6°, 38.2°, 47.9°, 54.5°, and 62.9° showed that the TiO2 particles were pure anatase, and no peaks of other TiO2-anatase phases were detected. Analysis using SEM showed that the surface of the material obtained was irregular and tended to have a hollow shape, while energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed a SiO2 content of approximately 73%. However, the titanium element or titania was not detected possibly due to its small concentration. The material obtained also had a good catalytic activity for safranin-O dye elimination under sunlight irradiation, which served as the activation energy source. Based on these findings, the use of OPLA (a side product of oil palm plantations) could be evaluated economically due to its effective role in the catalytic process despite the addition of a small amount of titania catalyst. Keywords: Oil palm leaves ash, titania, safranin-O, sunlight irradiation.

High-temperature heat treatment of hydrogen-reduced bauxite residue-calcite pellets for iron particles growth and separationTraitement thermique à haute température de boulettes de résidus de bauxite et calcite réduites à l’hydrogène pour la croissance et la séparation des particules de fer

ABSTRACT Bauxite residue characterised as a polymetallic source containing iron, alumina, titanium, calcium, silicon and rare earth elements offers an opportunity for reduced waste volume and the recovery of valuable metals. This study focuses on the agglomeration of bauxite residue with calcite, followed by hydrogen reduction at 1000°C. The resulting iron particles in the reduced pellets were initially very small distributed in a porous oxide matrix, posing challenges for physical separation methods. To address this issue, further heat treatments were conducted on the reduced pellets in an argon atmosphere, ranging from 1100°C to 1550°C. Phase analysis and microstructural examinations were performed using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Experimental findings indicate that the size of iron particles in the reduced pellets increases with higher heat treatment temperatures. Up to 1200°C, the oxide matrix remains a solid state, transitioning to a semi-molten and molten state above this heat treatment temperature and complete separation of iron from the oxide matrix above 1500°C. An alkali-leachable phase is present in the reduced pellets, initially in the form of calcium aluminate (mayenite), while above 1400°C, this phase dissociates to form monocalcium aluminate, and complete conversion at 1500°C. As observed in the microstructural analysis, there is an increase in the particle size of iron in both the solid and semi-molten states with an increasing in temperature from 1100°C up to 1300°C. This comprehensive study sheds light on the transformative effects of varying heat treatment temperatures on the composition and microstructure of bauxite residue-based materials.

Investigation of four nickel titanium endodontic instruments, with cyclic fatigue resistance, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.

The aim of this study was to compare of four different nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) endodontic files and evaluate in terms of cyclic fatigue resistance and metallurgical properties. Four different type Ni-Ti root canal files Protaper Next X2 (PTN) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), One Curve (OC) #25.06 (Micro Mega, Besancon, France), EndoPlus Flex Plus Gold X2 (EPG) (Turkuaz Dental, Denizli, Turkey), and EndoPlus Flex Plus Blue #25.06 (EPB) (Turkuaz Dental, Denizli, Turkey) files were tested for cyclic fatigue resistance (n = 20). During experiments artificial zirconia block canal was used. The artificial canal designed with curvature 60° and 5-mm radius. The number of cyclic to fracture (NCF) was noted. Fractured length (FL) parts of Ni-Ti files were recorded to assessment of fracture volumetric point. All fractured surfaces of Ni-Ti files were assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm the type of fractures. Descriptive evaluation become accomplished for the fundamental composition of units with the aid of using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). NCF data were evaluated via Bonferroni test with post hoc multiple comparison method. OC showed the highest NCF values (p < .05). The standardization of the study was confirmed as the FL of files was statistically similar in length (p > .05). SEM analysis confirmed that all scanned samples were fractured due to cyclic fatigue. EDX analysis confirmed that EPB established the poorest Ni content file. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The cyclic fatigue-related failure of One Curve was significantly more resistant than Protaper Next and EndoPlus files. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that One Curve and Protaper Next have round tips Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy showed that all four endodontic instruments mainly have Nickel and Titanium elements.

Boosted wear and electrochemical corrosion resistance properties of Ti6Al4V alloy via graphene nanoplatelets and titanium particles

The Ti6Al4V(TC4) alloy is renowned for its robust strength, low density, exceptional resistance to corrosion, and outstanding biocompatibility, making it applicable in aviation, biomedical, and various other industries. However, its application is hindered by its inherent limited hardness and suboptimal resistance to wear. TiC, known for its compatibility with titanium alloys, serves as a frequently employed reinforcing phase in titanium matrix composites. The incorporation of TiC reinforcing phases can be classified into two categories: “in-situ” and “ex-situ”. In this research, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and pure titanium (TA2) were ball-milled to produce graphene‑titanium particles, which were then utilized for the in-situ generation of TiC, and compared with the direct incorporation of nano-TiC into the titanium matrix. The deposition samples of GNPs/TA2/TC4 and nano-TiC/TA2/TC4 composites were fabricated employing the laser directed energy deposition technique. The findings of this research suggest that during the manufacturing process, the graphene nanoplatelets underwent dissolution within the molten pool. The carbon elements from the dissolved graphene nanoplatelets reacted in-situ with titanium elements, resulting in an ‘in-situ reaction’ that generated the TiC reinforcement phase. The microstructures of GNPs/TA2/TC4 and nano-TiC/TA2/TC4 deposition samples exhibit primary TiC in granular, floral, and dendritic morphologies. However, the TiC dendrites generated in situ by GNPs show shorter crystal axes. The GNPs/TA2/TC4 deposition sample displays the most pronounced grain refinement, featuring a mean grain size measuring 2.27 μm. The microhardness values of GNPs/TA2/TC4 and nano-TiC/TA2/TC4 deposition samples are (413 HV0.2 and 526 HV0.2), respectively, representing an increase of approximately 33 % and 69 % compared to the TA2/TC4 pure material deposition sample. The GNPs/TA2/TC4 deposition sample exhibits the lowest friction coefficient (0.236), indicating superior wear resistance. Moreover, the corrosion resistance of the GNPs/TA2/TC4 deposited sample is optimal (RP = 23,536 Ω cm2, Icorr = 2.03 × 10−6 A·cm−2, Ecorr = −0.703 V/SCE).

Effect of different titanium addition methods on the properties of diamond/Cu composites

Due to the low bonding strength between diamond and copper, the thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of diamond/copper composites are affected. In order to improve the interface bonding strength, this paper prepared diamond/Cu composites with titanium element in two forms: adding titanium to the copper matrix and using titanium coated diamond particles, respectively. The microstructure and composition analysis of the materials were carried out through SEM, EDS, AFM, etc. The bending strength and thermal conductivity of titanium coated diamond/copper composites reached 230 MPa and 480 W/(m·K), respectively, which were higher than the bending strength and thermal conductivity of diamond/Cu composites with added titanium in the matrix (208 MPa and 127 W/(m·K) and significantly higher than the corresponding properties of pure diamond/Cu composites (69 MPa and 108 W/(m·K)). Pre coating a layer of titanium carbide on the surface of diamond can serve as a connecting bridge, effectively reducing interfacial thermal resistance and improving mechanical properties, which is more effective than adding titanium powder to the matrix to improve the bending strength and thermal conductivity of diamond/Cu composites.