Microstructures and properties of copper matrix composite wires reinforced with Ti2SnC particles

This study investigates the fabrication of copper matrix composite reinforced with 8 wt-% of the Ti2SnC phase using friction stir-back extrusion. It explores the effect of rotational speed on the microstructure and properties of Cu-Ti2SnC wire composites. The results showed that the grain size of the composite increased from 3.5 +/- 0.6 to 5.7 +/- 0.5 mu m as the rotation speed increased from 400 to 1000 rev min(-1). With the addition of the Ti2SnC phase, the yield and ultimate tensile strength increased by 178% and 33%, respectively. In addition, although the electrical conductivity decreased by 25% by adding 8 wt-% of reinforcement, the electric conductivity of composite wire increased by 19% with the increase of the rotation speed from 400 to 1000 rev min(-1).