Study on the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of TiC Particle-Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites Regulated by Different Rare Earth Elements

Copper matrix composites (CMCs) synergistically reinforced with rare earth oxides (Re₂O₃) and TiC were prepared using a powder metallurgy process with vacuum hot-pressing and sintering technology, aiming to explore new ways to optimize the properties of composites. Through this innovative approach, we propose a new solution strategy and idea for the difficult problem of mutual constraints between electrical and mechanical properties faced by traditional dual-phase reinforced Cu-matrix composites. Meanwhile, the modulation mechanism of Re₂O₃ in CMCs and the electrical and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The compressive yield strength was improved from pure Cu (50 MPa) to TiC/Cu (159 MPa). The yield strength of Eu₂O₃-TiC/Cu obtained after biphasic strengthening is 213 MPa, which is 326% higher than that of pure Cu, and the ultimate compressive strength reaches 790 MPa. The conductivity was enhanced from TiC/Cu (81.4% IACS) to La₂O₃-TiC/Cu (87.3% IACS).