Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–Cu amorphous coating synthesized on pure Cu substrate by mechanical alloying method

Mechanical alloying method was applied to fabricate coating with amorphous structure on pure Cu substrate. The microstructure, the phase composition and the mechanical properties including microhardness and wear resistance of the coating were, respectively, characterized and analyzed. The results show that the coating is rough but continuous. It has favorable adhesion to the substrate. The coating is made up of an inner composite layer and an outer amorphous layer. The microhardness and the wear resistance of the pure Cu substrate are improved because of the bilayer structure. The formation mechanism of the coating was discussed. The as-synthesized coating is considered to be effective to strengthen the surface of pure Cu substrate.