Manufacturing of Cu-TiB2 composites by turbulent in situ mixing process

A copper matrix composite reinforced by turbulent in situ TiB2 nanoparticle was prepared through the reactions of boron and titanium. The microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of the as-drawn turbulent in situ composites were investigated. The results showed that the turbulent in situ formed TiB2 particles, which had a size of about from 50 to 200 nm, exhibited a homogenous dispersion in the copper matrix. The hardness and Youngʹs modulus of Cu composite elevated with the increase of cooling rate owing to dispersion strengthening by nanoscale TiB2 particles. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of Cu–TiB2 composite improved with the increase of cooling rate.