Effects of Ti₂SnC MAX Phase on Microstructure, Mechanical, Electrical, and Wear Properties of Stir‐Extruded Copper Matrix Composite

Abstract

Herein, the effect of Ti2SnC MAX phase reinforcement and friction stir back extrusion (FSBE) parameters on the microstructure, mechanical, electrical, and tribological behavior of Cu‐Ti2SnC composite is investigated. The results indicate that, depending on the rotational speed of the extrusion process, an equiaxed grain microstructure with a uniform distribution of reinforcing particles is formed after the extrusion process. Comparing the extruded samples to the unprocessed samples reveals a larger grain size after extrusion. The absence of MAX phase particles causes the formation of finer grain size in the extruded sample. Under the influence of heat and plastic strain, a reactive layer containing a solid solution of Cu(Sn) or Cu3Sn compounds is formed at the interface of the particle and the copper matrix. By performing the extrusion process, the reactive layer at the interface is broken and scattered on the copper matrix. Furthermore, by applying MAX phase reinforcing particles and performing the extrusion process, the copper matrix's hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance increase by 128, 99, and 84%, respectively. The five vol% Ti2SnC MAX phases in the extruded copper matrix composite wire results in 7.3% reduction in electrical conductivity.

Microstructures and properties of copper matrix composite wires reinforced with Ti2SnC particles

“…By increasing the rotation speed from 400 to 1000 rev min −1 , it is observed that the difference in the distribution of particles in the central and surface areas of the composite wire decreases, and it can see a more uniform distribution of the reinforcing particles. Meanwhile, in the lower addition of Ti 2 SnC particles (5 vol.-% of the reinforcing phase) [26], no significant difference in the distribution was observed in the surface and central areas of the composite wire, indicating that increasing the Ti 2 SnC reinforcing phase strongly influenced the flowability of the mixture of copper powder and the Ti 2 SnC reinforcing phase, causing a material flow gradient in the surface and central areas. Another noteworthy point is the difference in grain size in the central and surface areas of the extruded wires.…”

Ceramic particles reinforced copper matrix composites manufactured by advanced powder metallurgy: preparation, performance, and mechanisms

“…Recently, extensive work has been done to explore the preparation process and the conduction and mechanical properties of Cu-MAX composites. The results show that the MAX phases are efficient to strengthen the mechanical properties of Cu matrix composites, without a drastic reduction of their conductivity [166][167][168]. Nevertheless, the research of Cu-MAX composites is still in its infancy, and more in-depth research and exploration are urgently needed.…”