Effects of Ti2SnC MAX phase reinforcement content on the properties of copper matrix composite produced by friction stir back extrusion process

In this present work, the effect of Ti2SnC content on the microstructure, mechanical, electrical and wear properties of friction stir back extrusion (FSBE) processed Cu–Ti2SnC composite wire was investigated. The FSBE process was performed on copper matrix composite with 0–30 vol% of Ti2SnC reinforcement. The results show that by increasing the content of the Ti2SnC phase the hardness of the composite increased and reached 280.51 HV for composite containing 30 vol% Ti2SnC phases. The proper interface bonding was obtained in the composite containing 1 and 5 vol% Ti2SnC phases. The highest yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and wear resistance were obtained in the composite containing 5 vol% Ti2SnC phases due to the proper interface bonding. Also, the highest electrical conductivity (95.67% IASC) was obtained in a composite containing 1 vol% Ti2SnC phases. By increasing Ti2SnC phases higher than 5 vol% discontinuities between the Ti2SnC phase particles and the Cu matrix increased and result in decreasing strength and electrical conductivity of copper matrix composite.