Reinforced copper matrix composites with highly dispersed nano size TiC in-situ generated from the Carbon Polymer Dots

In order to uniformly disperse the ceramic reinforcements synthesized in-situ in the copper matrix composites, this study used Carbon Polymer Dot (CPD) as the carbon source and Cu–1.0%Ti alloy powder as the matrix for supplying Ti source to prepare in-situ synthesized TiC/Cu composites. The results show that TiC nano-precipitates, having the similar particle sizes with the CPD, form at the grains interior and grain boundaries, and maintain a uniform distribution state. Compared with the matrix, 0.3 ​wt% CPD/Cu composite displays the best strength-plastic compatibility, the ultimate tensile strength achieves 385 ​MPa accompanied with a corresponding elongation of 21%, owing to the dislocation hindrance caused by nano-carbide and excellent interface bonding between nano TiC and the Cu matrix. The density function theory calculation supports our experimental results by showing a tighter and stronger interface contact. This work presents a new approach for studying in-situ carbide precipitates.