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.