Microstructure Characterization and Properties of Ti Carbohydride/Cu–Ti/GNP Nanocomposites Prepared by Wet Ball Milling and Subsequent Magnetic Pulsed Compaction

Wide application of hard composite materials in modern technologies stimulates a search for new compositions and more efficient and cheaper ways of their obtaining. A novel Ti carbohydride/CuTi/CuTi₂/GNP (few-layer graphene or graphite nanoplatelets) composites were produced via magnetic pulsed compaction of Ti, Cu and graphite powders mechanically milled in liquid organic medium for 4 h. Phase composition and microstructure were examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Density, microhardness, ultimate compression strength, abrasive wear resistance and sliding wear resistance of the composites were studied. The composites consisted of hexagonal and cubic titanium carbohydrides, CuTi₂ and CuTi intermetallics, ~ 5 wt% of GNP and amorphous carbon. The presence of GNP and amorphous carbon resulted in higher wear resistance under conditions of dry friction against steel (1 wt%C, 1.5 wt%Cr) but lower composite density, microhardness, ultimate compression strength and abrasion wear resistance as compared with the GNP-free composites.