Micro structural characteristics and mechanical behaviour of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with titanium carbide

In this study titanium carbide particles reinforced in aluminium alloy (A 6063) composites were fabricated successfully using stir casting method. Titanium carbide was added in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 percentages by weight in the aluminium alloy. Density, hardness, impact and tensile tests were conducted to assess the mechanical properties of composites. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to study the fracture mechanism and phase identification respectively. Increase in addition of titanium carbide decreased the impact strength and elongation of composites to a maximum of 31% and 35% respectively. The density, hardness and tensile strength of composites increased to a maximum of 7.8%, 20% and 19.55 respectively while adding titanium carbide particles. X-ray diffraction results indicated that Al and TiC were the principal elements in composites and are free from intermetallics. Microstructures of the fractured composite specimen are characterized by ridges, voids, cracks, dimples, particle fracture and ridges.