Abstract
The relatively new severe plastic deformation method, friction stir processing (FSP) is
a cutting-edge process to synthesize surface and bulk metal matrix composites. The present
work is focused to produce Cu/TiC copper matrix composites (CMCs) and investigate the
microstructure and sliding wear behavior at room temperature without lubrication. In the
beginning of the process, TiC particulates were pressed in a machined groove on the surface
of copper plates. The dimensions of the groove were altered to produce four different volume
fractions of TiC particulates (0, 6, 12, and 18 vol.%). FSP was accomplished by an optimized
set of process parameters. The microstructure was observed using optical microscopy,
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD). The
microstructures showed a consistent dispersion of TiC particulates in the copper matrix
irrespective of the volume fraction. The dispersion was observed to be uniform across the
whole stir zone region. The interfacial bonding with the copper was proper. The
reinforcement of TiC particulates enhanced the microhardness and led to a reduction the wear
rate of the composite remarkably. TiC particulates changed the wear mechanism and the...