Microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of the Cu/ (WC-TiC-Co) nano-composites by the electroless coating and powder metallurgy technique

In this research, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.% of WC-TiC-Co particles were coated with a nano-particles layer of copper by the electro-less deposition technique. All the composites were compacted at 900 MPa, and then sintered at 1000 and 1100celcius for 120 min in a hydrogen atmosphere furnace. Nano-composites, which sintered at 1100celcius exhibit relative density higher than those sintered at 1000celcius. To investigate the crystal structure and chemical composition of the WC-TiC-Co powders, XRD was used. SEM and EDAX analysis for the sintered samples were performed to investigate the microstructure and morphology of the composites. The relative density, hardness, electrical conductivity and yield stress based on the results of the hardness values were studied. The results revealed that the relative density, hardness, and the yield stress based on the results of the Vickers hardness were improved by increasing the WC-TiC-Co content. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity was decreased by increasing the WC-TiC-Co content.