Influence of Reinforcement and Processing Temperature on the Microstructure and Texture Evolution of Cu–TiB2 Composite Processed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) on Cu–TiB₂ composites, focusing on microstructural and mechanical properties. ECAP was performed at room temperature, 200, and 500 °C on Cu-based composites with varying TiB₂ contents of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%. Pure Cu and TiB₂ powders were mixed by high-energy ball milling and processed via ECAP. Microstructural analysis through optical microscopy, field emission gun–scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) showed uniform TiB₂ particle distribution in the Cu matrix with minimal deformation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and crystallographic texture were linked with microstructural changes to work-hardening behavior. ECAP significantly reduced Cu grain size and improved composite hardness, with greater TiB₂ content and higher processing temperatures enhancing microhardness. Adding TiB₂ to Cu enhances mechanical properties, especially at elevated temperatures. ECAP processing of Cu–TiB₂ composites at varying temperatures results in uniform TiB₂ distribution. Higher consolidation temperatures also led to increased ductility and shear deformation. The findings suggest ECAP is effective for creating ultrafine-grained Cu–TiB₂ composites with superior mechanical properties. The Cu–TiB₂ composites with different percentages of reinforcements (TiB₂) and processing temperatures were compared in terms of their hardness, strength, wear resistance and microstructures. The changes in crystallographic texture improvised by the temperature and size of TiB₂ particles have also been studied.