Zr-induced locally coherent interfacial architecture in Cu/Mo2C composites: an innovative strategy for alleviating the strength-ductility trade-off

Mechanical alloying and fast hot-press sintering were used to introduce Mo2C particles into a copper matrix. The addition of Zr facilitates the formation of a locally coherent Cu/CuZr/Mo2C interfacial architecture, which significantly enhances interfacial bonding and promotes grain refinement and second-phase strengthening. In addition, Zr-induced densification and improved particle dispersion further contribute to the enhanced mechanical performance. This synergistic effect of interfacial engineering, particle refinement, and densification also induces hetero-deformation-induced (HDI) strengthening, thereby contributing to the alleviation of the strength-ductility trade-off in the composite. This work provides a feasible interfacial engineering strategy for the design of high-performance copper matrix composites.