Spark Plasma Sintering of Cu-(LaB6-TiB2) Metal-Ceramic Composite and Its Physical-Mechanical Properties

Abstract

A metal-ceramic composite Cu-(LaB₆-TiB₂) has been produced by the spark plasma sintering. The microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties and resistivity of the composite are studied. An effective method for reinforcing the interface between the copper matrix and reinforced ceramic particles LaB₆-TiB₂ has been proposed and implemented. It is demonstrated that consolidation of the metal-ceramic composite by using LaB₆-TiB₂ particles with naked fibers almost doubles the material's strength. Furthermore, the use of reinforced ceramic particles provides the electrical conductivity on a level with the best materials for resistance-welding electrodes (88% IACS).