Effect of Ultrasonic Stirring on Changes in Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast In­situ Al 5083 alloy Composites Containing 5wt.% and 10wt.% TiC particles

The effect of ultrasonic stirring on changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of Al 5083 and Al 5083-TiC composites have been studied. The TiC particles in the composite was 5 and 10 wt.%. Primarily, in-situ Al 5083-TiC composite was synthesized using self propagating high temperature synthesis process using casting route. Al 5083+20TiC master composite was prepared by the mechanical alloying of Al 5083 powder, Titanium powder (<45 μm) and Graphite powder (<10 μm) powders in a planetary ball mill followed by cold compaction. The cold compacted Pellets of master composite were added in the Al 5083 melt under argon atmosphere. The concentration of TiC varied between 0 to 10 wt.% of alloy. the microstructure of the aluminum alloy and the composites containing TiC homogeneous and fine grain in the matrix and uniform distribution of TiC particles in Al alloy matrix. the composite prepared ultrasonic stirring improved mechanical properties (compressive strength and hardness) as compare to the one prepared without ultrasonic stirring. Further the ultrasonically stirred alloy and composites found refined microstructure. Result in the improvement of mechanical properties.