Improvement of the bonding interface of a sintered Al 2014–(Ti5Si3)p composite by the copper coating of the reinforcement

AA 2014 aluminium-based composites reinforced with (5–20 wt.%) Ti5Si3 intermetallic particles, with and without Cu coating, were obtained in a Turbula powder mixer from commercially-available prealloyed powders. Mechanical alloying was used for the deposition of Cu on the surface of the Ti5Si3 particles. Compaction of the specimens was performed using a hydraulic press and a floating die. The results show that the liquid formation and phase distribution are modified by the copper coating of the ceramic reinforcement, resulting in changes in the materials microstructure and the mechanical properties. The presence of the reinforcement particles improves densification of the composites. Improved densification was found for the 2014 + Ti5Si3 composites. 2014 + Ti5Si3–Cu composites exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to the 2014 + Ti5Si3 composites.