Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiB2/(Cu, Ni) interpenetrating phase composites

TiB2/(Cu, Ni) interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) with ceramic volume content of 75–86% were prepared by melt infiltration. The microstructure of TiB2/(Cu, Ni) IPCs is characterized by the three-dimensional interpenetration of TiB2 and Cu–Ni phases. Bending strength and fracture toughness of CuNi/81.6%TiB2 IPCs are as high as 640.5 MPa and 9.37 MPa m1/2, respectively. The combination of the micro-crack and interfacial debonding and the cleavage of TiB2 grains are the main fracture modes of TiB2/Cu–Ni IPCs.