Mechanical Properties of TiAlC/Cu Composites Reinforced by MAX Phase Chemical Copper Plating.

Among the various reinforcement phases available in Cu-based composites, the unique layered structure and easy diffusion of A-layer atoms make MAX phases more suitable for reinforcing a copper matrix than others. In this study, Cu-coated TiAlC particles (Cu@TiAlC) were prepared through electroless plating, and Cu@TiAlC/Cu composites were fabricated via vacuum hot-press sintering. The phase composition and microstructure of both Cu@TiAlC powder and composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrate the creation of successful electroless copper plating to obtain a Cu coating on TiAlC particles. At 850 °C, a small amount of TiAlC particles decompose to form TiCx, while Al atoms from the A layer of MAX phase diffuse into the Cu matrix to form a solid solution with Cu(Al). The test results reveal that the density of the Cu@TiAlC/Cu composite reaches 98.5%, with a maximum compressive strength of 705 MPa, which is 8.29% higher than that of the TiAlC/Cu composite. Additionally, the compressive strain reaches 37.6%, representing an increase of 12.24% compared to that exhibited by the TiAlC/Cu composite.