Effect of copper addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of in situ TiCp/Fe composites

The effect of copper addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of in situ TiC particulates reinforced Fe-based composites was investigated. The results demonstrated that copper was an expanding austenite element which could move eutectoid point to the left in Fe–C equilibrium diagram and result in the refinement of pearlite interlamelar spacing. Copper could effectively prevent the transition and deposition from carbon to graphite and also improve the activity of Ti and C element which was beneficial to synthesize more of TiC particulates. The Fe-based composites with a copper content of 1.5 wt% resulted in the best mechanical properties.

Research highlights
► Copper could result in refinement of pearlite interlamelar spacing.
► Copper could effectively prevent transition and deposition from carbon to graphite.
► Copper could be beneficial to synthesize TiC particulates more.
► Reasonable addition of copper could improve mechanical properties of composites.
► Effect of copper on microstructures and properties of TiCp/Fe composites was very important.