Characterization and performance evaluation of Cu-based/TiO2 nano composites

Copper and copper alloys are used in industrial applications and food contact surfaces due to their desirable properties; copper metal matrix composites have been exciting researchers' attention in recent years since they can offer many valuable characteristics. The present study investigated the effects of the TiO2 nanoparticles addition with different weight percent on the hardness and corrosion behavior of copper nanocomposites. The powder metallurgy method was used to fabricate the Cu/TiO2 reinforced with different weight fractions of TiO2 nano particles up to 12 wt.%. The corrosion behavior of fabricated specimens is evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in different solutions. These solutions were 3.5wt.% NaCl, 0.5 NaOH and 0.5 M H2SO4 reflected different pH. The results showed that the addition of TiO2 nano particles improves pure copper's hardness. The hardness of pure copper increased from 53 to 91 HV by adding 12 wt.% TiO2. The corrosion current density (I-corr) of copper nanocomposites test specimens was higher than I-corr of pure copper in all test solutions. As TiO2 nano particles increase, the corrosion resistance of Cu nano composites decreased. All test specimens exhibited little corrosion current density in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution as compared with other test solutions.

Automated summary

The study explored the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles at different weight percentages on the hardness and corrosion behavior of copper nanocomposites, finding that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles increased the hardness of pure copper. However, as the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles increased, the corrosion resistance of Cu nanocomposites decreased. Test specimens exhibited lower corrosion current density in 3.5wt% NaCl solution compared to other test solutions.