Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
METALS AND MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study focused on the fabrication and characterisation of TiO2/Graphite reinforced Cu-based composite produced by powder metallurgy. The effects of varying amounts of TiO2 combined with 2% (w/w) graphite on the wear and corrosion behavior of stoichiometric copper (Cu) were investigated using various characterization techniques. The phase analysis revealed that Cu was the main phase. At low doping ratios, graphite peaks were found in trace amounts, while rutile phases of TiO2 were detected. The microstructure and phase properties of the produced matrix and fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. As a result of the measurements made with the Vickers hardness tester, it was observed that the TiO2 additive improved the hardness of the composites. Corrosion tests in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution showed that the addition of TiO2/Graphite to copper shifted the corrosion potential in the anodic (more noble) direction, while graphite alone shifted it in the cathodic (less noble) direction. However, graphite-reinforced Cu composites exhibited a better protective oxide film than those TiO2/Graphite reinforced Cu-based composite, attributed to the uniform distribution of graphite throughout the material. Although TiO2 or TiO2/Graphite with graphite improved the corrosion potential, the corrosion current density was higher than that of unreinforced Cu due to the formation of micro-galvanic cells within the composite. Additionally, the high amount of TiO2 added positively influenced the corrosion resistance. Using graphite's ability to make the composite self-lubricate when used with metals or ceramics, adding graphite to TiO2 particles at all volume ratios significantly increased the wear resistance of the composite.