Obtaining metal-based composites with hardening by titanium diboride nanoparticles

The mechanism of obtaining high-strength mesocomposite materials with a cellular microstructure is studied. It is shown that the formation of the mesocomposite microstructure is determined by the method of pressing characterized by high strains and strain rates, and also by the mesocomposite composition; the high-plasticity matrix and nondeformable particles of the hardening phase, which are not bonded to the mesocomposite matrix, assist in the process of self-organization, i.e., formation of a cellular microstructure. The set of mesocomposite properties is studied to understand the general laws of mesocomposite formation and optimize the composition. A composite with an optimal composition is obtained, which retains high electrical conductivity of copper and sufficiently high plasticity necessary for its effective application; its strength is greater than the base strength by an order of magnitude; moreover, its strength and wear resistance are much higher than those of dispersion-hardened alloys obtained by the method of internal oxidation. The results obtained can be used for creating new composite materials.