Effect of alloying on structure and properties of particle – reinforced aluminum matrix composites Al/TiC produced by SHS in aluminum melt

Abstract

Publications devoted to the properties and methods of fabrication of particle- reinforced aluminum matrix composites and nanocomposites of Al/TiC were analyzed. The emphasis was on the application of the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) for preparation of Al/TiC composites. The results of our own studies of fabrication of Al/10wt.%TiC composite using SHS in the aluminum melt in the presence of alloying additives of copper (5 wt.%) and manganese (2 wt.%) were presented. It was shown that the alloying of Al/10wt.%TiC cast composite with copper and manganese leads to a more uniform distribution of the synthesized nano - and ultrafine particles of titanium carbide, as well as to nearly a twofold increase of strength while maintaining a sufficiently high level of ductility.