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

Abstract

This study investigates the fabrication of copper matrix composite reinforced with 8 wt-% of the Ti2SnC phase using friction stir-back extrusion. It explores the effect of rotational speed on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Ti2SnC wire composites. The results showed that the grain size of the composite increased from 3.5 ± 0.6 to 5.7 ± 0.5 µm as the rotation speed increased from 400 to 1000 rev min−1. With the addition of the Ti2SnC phase, the yield and ultimate tensile strength increased by 178% and 33%, respectively. In addition, although the electrical conductivity decreased by 25% by adding 8 wt-% of reinforcement, the electric conductivity of composite wire increased by 19% with the increase of the rotation speed from 400 to 1000 rev min−1.