Microstructures and Properties of In Situ (TiB2p+TiBw)/Cu Composites with Different Ce Content

(TiB2p + TiBw)/Cu composites are prepared by in situ reaction casting. The effect of Ce content on the microstructures, electrical conductivity, and tensile strength of (TiB2p + TiBw)/Cu composites are studied. The results show that the right amount of Ce can significantly refine the reinforcements and the copper matrix grains, and improve the morphology and distribution of the reinforcements. Correspondingly, the electrical conductivity and tensile strength of the composites also vary with the Ce contents, but the excess Ce can result in a deterioration of microstructures and properties, and the reasons are also discussed. Finally, a better comprehensive property (78.4 %IACS and 671 MPa) is obtained when the Ce content is 0.04 wt%, which is consistent with the microstructures.