The effect of titanium carbide particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of copper/graphite composites prepared by flake powder metallurgy route

Abstract

The current study focuses on the effect of titanium carbide particles that are used as a reinforcement in Cu/graphite composite fabricated successfully through flake powder metallurgy technique. The reinforced titanium carbide particles were added in 1, 3 and 5% by weight in the Cu/5wt%Gr matrix. Microstructural analysis of the composites was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The mechanical properties such as hardness and density of the composites were assessed. SEM analysis shows formation of flake particles. The hardness is optimum for Cu-5Gr with 5 wt% TiC but the relative density reduces to 74.01% for 5 wt% TiC composite due to increase in porosity at higher percentages of TiC. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd.