Characterization and performance evaluation of Cu-based/TiO(2) nano composites

Copper and copper alloys are used in industrial applications and food contact surfaces due to their desirable properties; copper metal matrix composites have been exciting researchers' attention in recent years since they can offer many valuable characteristics. The present study investigated the effects of the TiO(2) nanoparticles addition with different weight percent on the hardness and corrosion behavior of copper nanocomposites. The powder metallurgy method was used to fabricate the Cu/TiO(2) reinforced with different weight fractions of TiO(2) nano particles up to 12 wt.%. The corrosion behavior of fabricated specimens is evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in different solutions. These solutions were 3.5wt.% NaCl, 0.5 NaOH and 0.5 M H(2)SO(4) reflected different pH. The results showed that the addition of TiO(2) nano particles improves pure copper's hardness. The hardness of pure copper increased from 53 to 91 HV by adding 12 wt.% TiO(2.) The corrosion current density (I(corr)) of copper nanocomposites test specimens was higher than I(corr) of pure copper in all test solutions. As TiO(2) nano particles increase, the corrosion resistance of Cu nano composites decreased. All test specimens exhibited little corrosion current density in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution as compared with other test solutions.