CNTs/Cu-Ti composites fabrication through the synergistic reinforcement of CNTs and in situ generated nano-TiC particles

CNTs/Cu-Ti composites were fabricated successfully by spray pyrolysis , low energy ball milling and subsequent hot pressing (HP). Microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized by SEM, EDS, HRTEM , XRD, hardness and tensile tests. The results reveal that in situ generated nano-TiC particles, as a transition phase from CNTs to Cu-Ti matrix, which played a “rivet” role in enhancing the interfacial bonding between the CNTs and Cu-Ti matrix is formed in the composites. Consequently, mechanical properties of the CNTs/Cu-Ti composites are enhanced compared with alloy matrix, and an optimal balance between elevated ultimate tensile strength and impressively larger plastic deformation is achieved by adding 0.4 wt% CNTs in the composites. (ultimate tensile strength (UTS) 352 MPa, elongation 28.2%, the UTS is 39% higher than that of the Cu-Ti alloy, and the ductility increased significantly by 62%.) Finally, strengthening and toughening mechanisms are discussed. This study provides new insights into the interface structure and strength-ductility in metal-matrix composites.