Cu-TiO 2 composites with high incorporated and uniform distributed TiO 2 particles prepared by jet electrodeposition

Abstract

Cu based composites with high mechanical performance have attracted considerable attention due to their extensive applications. A facile jet electrodeposition method was used to prepare Cu-TiO₂ composite coatings with TiO₂ content as high as 7.25 wt-%. The high content TiO₂ particles with an average size of about 120 nm were uniformly distributed in the Cu matrix. This composite coating showed significantly enhanced microhardness of 218.7 Hv and reduced wear rate of 3.7 × 10⁻² mg Nm⁻¹, which was 156.1% higher and 75.3% lower than electroformed pure Cu respectively. The enhanced mechanical performance of Cu-TiO₂ composites can be attributed to an improved dispersion strengthening effect. Both high TiO₂ content and uniform TiO₂ distribution play active roles in enhancing dispersion strengthening effect. With appropriate particle size, jet electrodeposition is an effective approach to making composite coatings with high particle content and uniform particle distribution. These composites prepared by jet electrodeposition show significantly enhanced mechanical performance like high hardness and enhanced wear resistance.