Influence of Cu content on the microstructure and mechanical property of Ti3SiC2/Cu composites

Abstract Ti 3 SiC 2 /Cu composites with different Cu content were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) process in vacuum and the effect of Cu content on the microstructure and mechanical property was investigated. The axial displacement, temperature and current of the composites during the sintering process were recorded and discussed. The phase compositions of the original Ti 3 SiC 2 and Cu powder before and after ball-milling, and the as-produced composites were studied by XRD analysis. The surface morphology and fracture surface of the composites were investigated by SEM. The influence of Cu content on the relative density, hardness and compressive strength of the composites was inquired. The results discovered that the phase composition of Ti 3 SiC 2 /Cu composites varied with the content of Cu. The phase composition of the Ti 3 SiC 2 /5 vol% Cu composite was composed of Ti 3 SiC 2 , Ti 5 Si 3 and Cu 3 Si, while that of Ti 3 SiC 2 /10 vol% Cu composite and Ti 3 SiC 2 /15 vol% Cu composite contained TiC, besides Ti 3 SiC 2 , Ti 5 Si 3 and Cu 3 Si. Moreover, the relative density of all Ti 3 SiC 2 /Cu composites was relatively high (≥93%). With the increase of Cu content, the axial displacement, hardness and compressive strength of the Ti 3 SiC 2 /Cu composites increased. Conclusively, the Ti 3 SiC 2 /Cu composite with 15 vol% Cu exhibited better mechanical properties.