An investigation on interface optimization and mechanical properties of Cu-coated carbon fiber cloth/titanium alloy composite

Abstract:

Using Cu-coated carbon fiber cloth (CFC) as reinforcement and Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) as matrix, the Cu-coated CFC/TC4 composite is fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The interface morphology, phase microstructure, phase distribution and mechanical properties of CFC/TC4 are characterized. Results show that carbon fibers are uniformly distributed in Cu-coated CFC/TC4. CuTi, Cu and very little TiC are distributed along the interface between fibers and matrix. Possessing slightly better plasticity than TC4, the yield strength and compressive strength of Cu-coated CFC/TC4 are obviously enhanced. The electroplated Cu plays important roles: (1) markedly decreases the sintering temperature of Cu-coated CFC/TC4; (2) significantly improves the wettability and interfacial bonding between carbon fibers and TC4 matrix, giving explanation to the increase of mechanical properties of Cu-coated CFC/TC4; (3) effectively inhibits the excessive generation of brittle TiC compared with uncoated CFC/TC4 composite, explaining the maintaining of good plasticity of Cu-coated CFC/TC4.