Metallographic Study and Wear Behavior of Cu Based FeTi Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Cu-based FeTi-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced with FeTi reinforcement additions of 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18wt.% by powder metallurgy. Microstructural characterization of Cu-based FeTi-reinforced composites was made by using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and hardness test. The effect of sintering temperatures on the densification of the synthesized powders was investigated. Sliding analyses were conducted to determine the wear behavior. The interface microstructure between FeTi and Cu at 1000∘C showed a significant difference. The hardness changed proportionally with the increase in the FeTi particles. The formation of the intermetallic phases CuTi, CuTi2, Cu4Ti3 and TiCu4 after sintering caused a higher wear resistance. A 75% reduction in wear rate was achieved by adding 18-wt.% FeTi to pure copper powder.