Effect of titanium diboride ceramic particles on mechanical and wear behaviour of Cu-10 wt% W alloy composites processed by P/M route

Hypothesis of this research focuses on evaluating mechanical properties and thereby determine optimized conditions for lessened wear rate of powder metallurgy processed Titanium diboride (TiB2) reinforced Cu–W alloy matrix composites. Tungsten and Titanium diboride powders were mixed with copper powder to the state of homogeneity by mechanical alloying method, compacted in a computerized hydraulic press and further sintered at 900 °C for 2 h under argon environment. SEM studies revealed that TiB2 particles were disseminated evenly in Cu–W alloy. The fabricated composites were subjected to EDS and XRD studies to confirm the presence of required elements and the occurrence of oxides formed while sintering. The impact of wear test input parameters on the wear rate was identified and the optimized parameter to attain low wear rate was determined through Taguchi and ANOVA analysis by using L16 orthogonal array. The hardness, impact strength, compressive strength, and wear resistance of the composites experience considerable enhancement, with the inclusion of TiB2 particles. The optimized parameters to achieve less wear rate was arrived as A4B1C1D1 and the composite with 12 wt% TiB2 content subjected to 10 N load with 1 m/s velocity and 300 m sliding distance attained minimum wear rate. •TiB2 reinforced Cu alloy matrix composite was produced via powder metallurgy route.•The effect of TiB2 particulates on the mechanical and wear behavior of Cu–10W alloy matrix composites was investigated.•SEM analysis evident the homogeneous distribution of TiB2 in the matrix.•Optimum parameters were found to attain less wear rate using Taguchi and ANOVA techniques.•TiB2 particulates content was the dominant factor to influence wear rate.•The worn surfaces were examined by SEM analysis and the occurrence of adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms was reported.