Reinforced copper matrix composites with highly dispersed nano size TiC in-situ generated from the Carbon Polymer Dots

In order to uniformly disperse the ceramic reinforcements synthesized in-situ in the copper matrix composites, this study used Carbon Polymer Dot (CPD) as the carbon source and Cu-1.0%Ti alloy powder as the matrix for supplying Ti source to prepare in-situ synthesized TiC/Cu composites. The results show that TiC nano-precipitates, having the similar particle sizes with the CPD, form at the grains interior and grain boundaries, and maintain a uniform distribution state. Compared with the matrix, 0.3 wt% CPD/Cu composite displays the best strengthplastic compatibility, the ultimate tensile strength achieves 385 MPa accompanied with a corresponding elongation of 21%, owing to the dislocation hindrance caused by nano-carbide and excellent interface bonding between nano TiC and the Cu matrix. The density function theory calculation supports our experimental results by showing a tighter and stronger interface contact. This work presents a new approach for studying in-situ carbide precipitates.

Automated summary

In order to uniformly disperse ceramic reinforcements in the copper matrix composites, this study used Carbon Polymer Dot (CPD) as the carbon source and Cu-1.0%Ti alloy powder as the matrix to prepare in-situ synthesized TiC/Cu composites. The results showed that TiC nano-precipitates formed at the grains interior and grain boundaries with similar particle sizes to CPD, and maintained a uniform distribution. The 0.3 wt% CPD/Cu composite exhibited the best strength-plastic compatibility, achieving an ultimate tensile strength of 385 MPa and an elongation of 21%, attributed to the dislocation hindrance caused by nano-carbide and excellent interface bonding between nano TiC and the Cu matrix. Density function theory calculation supported the experimental results by demonstrating a tighter and stronger interface contact. This work presents a new approach for studying in-situ carbide precipitates.