Production and properties of Cu/TiO2 nano-composites

Copper matrix composites reinforced with TiO2 particles are promising materials widely used as contact materials due to their excellent mechanical and physical properties such as good electrical and thermal conductivity and strength at high temperature. In this research, the novel contact material were prepared by in-situ oxidation of Cu-Ti pre alloyed powders. The morphology of milled powders and microstructure of nano-composite specimens were studied by SEM and TEM. To evaluate mechanical alloying progress of Cu and Ti powders mixture and internal oxidation after Cu2O addition, XRD analysis were carried out. The Physical and mechanical properties results of specimens indicate that the density, specific electrical resistivity, hardness and wear rate values change significantly with amount of TiO2 in Cu matrix. Hardness and specific electrical resistivity increased and density of Cu/TiO2 nano-composites decreased with increasing amount of TiO2 in Cu matrix.