Study of effect of Zr addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of (TiCx–TiB2)/Cu composites by combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in the Cu–Ti–B4C–Zr system

•The composites containing two-phase ceramics exhibit more superior properties.•Zr additions strongly influence the microstructures and mechanical properties.•The combustion synthesis combined with hot press consolidation is in situ method.•The addition of Zr could improve the interfacial bonding strength.

The 50 vol.% (TiCx–TiB2)/Cu composites were successfully fabricated by the method of combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in a Cu–Ti–B4C–Zr system. The effect of the content of Zr on the microstructures, hardness, compression properties and abrasive wear behaviors of the composites was investigated. The final products consist of only Cu, TiCx and TiB2, and the ceramic particles distribute uniformly in the composites. The sizes of the ceramic particles decrease with Zr addition. With the increasing Zr content, the yield strength, ultimate compression strength and hardness increase, and the fracture strain decreases. The abrasive wear resistance of the composites increases with the increase in the Zr content.

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