Simultaneously enhanced strength and wear-resistance of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase reinforced Cu-Ni-Si composite via powder metallurgy method

Compositional segregation, microstructural inhomogeneity and insufficient wear-resistant are the primary challenges associated with the traditional smelting and casting of Cu-Ni-Si alloys. This study presented a powder metallurgy technique for preparing Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase reinforced Cu-3.8Ni-1Si alloy with homogeneous composition and good comprehensive performance. The manipulation of solution and precipitation as well as the morphology modulation of δ-Ni₂Si phases were achieved via Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase and in-situ formed SiC whiskers. Nano-sized Ni₂Si phase showed a coherent interface relationship with the alloy matrix, which hindered the climbing and sliding of dislocations. A mechanically mixed layer (MML) composed of Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase, SiC whisker, and δ-Ni₂Si phase were formed on the surface of tribological layer. Meanwhile, the synergistic effects among Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase, SiC whisker, and δ-Ni₂Si phase significantly improved the mechanical properties. Therefore, Ti₃SiC₂/Cu-Ni-Si composite has provided a promising candidate for applications requiring high strength and wear resistance in copper alloys.