Al4C3 Phase Research Articles

Laser powder bed fusion of SiC particle-reinforced pre-alloyed TiB2/AlSi10Mg composite with high-strength and high-stiffness

Recently, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PAMCs) with high-strength and high-stiffness have attracted extensive attention in aviation and aerospace. However, performance improvement of single or dual PAMCs using traditional mechanical mixing method is still limited. Therefore, this study innovatively employed pre-alloyed ~6.5wt.% TiB2/AlSi10Mg composite as the matrix and mechanically mixed SiC particles with different contents (5 vol.% and 10 vol.%) to fabricate dual PAMCs with high particles content through LPBF. The results indicated that the 5 vol.% SiC+TiB2/AlSi10Mg composite revealed relatively weak agglomeration effect of SiC particle and highest relative density (~99.1%), thus exhibiting optimal processability. Using this composition material as the research object, it was found that the microstructure maintains the basic features of pre-alloyed TiB2/AlSi10Mg composite except for the slight grain coarsening. However, SiC particles react with α-Al matrix and Al3Ti. Then Al4C3 and TiC enhancement phase were formed, and micron-sized Si particles precipitated within the Al cells surrounded by the eutectic Al-Si. More importantly, due to novel preparation method of dual PAMCs powder, simultaneous enhancement in ultimate tensile strength (~554.0MPa), yield strength (~376.0MPa), and elastic modulus (~97.4GPa) was achieved. Total particle content (~14.0wt.%) and tensile property were higher than those of reported other PAMCs processed by LPBF. Finally, expect for the fracture characteristics inherent to the pre-alloyed TiB2/AlSi10Mg composite, new fracture mechanism for the tearing of SiC particles was exhibited. This work provides new insights into the preparation of high-strength and high-stiffness PAMCs processed by LPBF.

In-situ synthesis and microstructural evolution of a SiC reinforced Al-50Si composite exhibiting exceptional thermal properties

Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into Al-Si alloy to prepare in-situ SiC/Al-Si composites enhances thermal conductivity (TC) and reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). However, challenges include CNTs aggregation and uneven SiC distribution. This study uses fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) to achieve uniform CNTs coverage on Al-50Si powder. Subsequent powder hot extrusion and heat treatment above the eutectic temperature enable a gradual reaction between CNTs and Al/Si atoms, resulting in uniformly dispersed SiC within the SiC/Al-50Si composite. The formation mechanism of in-situ SiC particles and their impact on the microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of the composite are further investigated. The formation process involves a two-step chemical reaction: lamellar Al4C3 phases transform into lamellar eutectic SiC + Al phases, which then transition into polyhedral SiC particles through epitaxial growth. This in-situ formation of SiC particles also impedes Si growth during heat treatment, refining Si particles and enhancing the composite’s properties. The resulting in-situ SiC/Al-50Si composite exhibits excellent thermal and mechanical properties, including a high TC of ∼162 Wm-1K−1, a low CTE of ∼ 8.7 × 10-6/K, and a good bending strength of approximately 253 MPa at room temperature.

Effects of graphene nano particles on interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of Al7150/B4C hybrid nanocomposite fabricated by novel double ultrasonic two stage stir casting technique

In the present research, an Al7150 alloys-based hybrid nanocomposite was fabricated by incorporating boron carbide and graphene nanoparticles through a novel fabrication method of double ultrasonic two-stage stir casting. Initially, the Al-B4C nanocomposite was optimized based on better microstructural and mechanical properties, and then a hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating graphene nanoparticles into the optimized Al-B4C nanocomposite. Homogeneous dispersion of graphene and boron carbide nanoparticles in Al7150 matrix was successfully achieved due to the double ultrasonic effect analyzed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. Significant dispersion of nanoreinforcements with enhanced interfacial bonding and dislocation strengthening improved the microstructural and mechanical properties of the Orovan reinforced hybrid nanocomposite. The Vickers microhardness and ultimate tensile strength were improved by 19 % and 47 %, respectively, for the optimized Al-B4C nanocomposite compared to base metal. However, the Vickers microhardness and ultimate tensile strength were significantly improved by 36 % and 57 %, respectively, for the optimized hybrid nanocomposite compared to the base material (BM). The hard AlB2, Al3BC and Al4C3 phases are formed due to the reaction between the matrix and reinforcement during solidification and act as reinforcement within the matrix and resist dislocation movements, resulting in a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. Fractography analysis by SEM also confirms the enhanced bonding of graphene nanoparticles as it deforms/slips during fracture and supports the effect of double ultrasonication on the tearing of boron carbide nanoparticles.

First-principles study of Ti adsorption on Al4C3 (0001) surface

Al4C3 phase is hypothesized to undergo a solid–solid phase transition into TiC, thereby facilitating the heterogeneous nucleation of α-Al. However, capturing this transition process experimentally is challenging, which undermines the credibility of this transition theory. In this study, first-principles calculations are employed to investigate the feasibility of Ti atom adsorption on the exposed (0001) surface of the Al4C3 crystal, providing theoretical support for the phase transition hypothesis. The findings indicate that Ti adatoms can effectively adsorb on the C-terminated (0001) surface, whereas adsorption on the Al-terminated surface is thermodynamically unfavorable. Upon structural optimization, Ti adatoms at bridge site B, top site T, and hollow site H1, irrespective of coverage, migrate towards the most stable hollow H2 site. Electronic structure analysis reveals that the bonding between the Ti adatom at the H2 site and the surface layer C atoms is primarily covalent, while the bonding with subsurface layer Al atoms is metallic. Additionally, Ti atom adsorption induces polarization of the bonding electron cloud between Al and C atoms. This study provides theoretical support for the Ti-induced transformation of the Al4C3 to TiC phase via surface adsorption, paving the way for the development of high-performance master alloys based on phase transition theory.

Achieving significant grain refinement efficiency in Mg-Al alloys via a GNP@MgO composite refiner

Master alloys containing Zirconium (Zr) serve as effective grain refiners in most commercial cast magnesium (Mg) alloys. However, their efficacy is diminished in Mg–Al series alloys due to the formation of Al–Zr compounds. In this work, a novel Mg-GNP@MgO master alloy was prepared utilizing the in-situ reaction between CO2 and Mg. The grain refinement efficiency of this composite inoculation on Mg–9Al alloys was systematically investigated using SEM-EBSD, HRTEM observations, Density Functional Theory (DFT), and Sharp Interface Model (SIM) calculations. The findings suggest that the composite grain refiner (GNP@MgO) exerted a notable refining influence on Mg–9Al alloy. Through the conventional casting process, the average grain size was refined to approximately 13 μm upon the addition of 3 vol% GNP@MgO, achieving a grain refinement efficiency of 90 %. The enhanced refining efficiency arises from the synergistic control over the nucleation and growth processes of α-Mg grains, facilitated by GNP@MgO particles. This process includes improved heterogeneous nucleation, triggered by the newly formed Al4C3 phases through the interaction between GNPs and Al element, followed by the limited expansion of α-Mg grains induced by the nano-sized MgO particles. The MgO particles predominantly gather around grain boundaries to establish stable nano-coating layers, thereby exerting a substantial Zener pinning effect. The pinning role played by the MgO nanoparticles was also verified by a sharp interface model. The findings in this work not only carve out a new avenue for the grain refinement of cast Mg–Al alloys but also inspire fresh perspectives for the development of novel grain refiners.

Microstructure, mechanical properties and interfacial features of graphene oxide reinforced 7075 composites fabricated by ultrasonic assisted casting

Graphene oxide reinforced 7075 (GO/7075) composites were successfully prepared via ultrasonic assisted casting. In this study, the microstructure, mechanical properties and interfacial structure of GO/7075 composites with varying GO contents were investigated. The experimental results showed that GO could refine grain size and produce many dislocations at the GO/Al interface, and was well bonded with Al matrix. Meanwhile, a few rod-like Al4C3 phases were observed at the active prism planes of GO in the composite. When the content of GO reached 1.0 wt%, the optimal mechanical properties of GO/7075 composites were obtained. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of 1.0 wt% GO/7075 composites were 212.3 MPa and 285.6 MPa, which were 61.8 % and 41.1 % higher than those of 7075 alloy, respectively. The thermal mismatch strengthening and load transfer strengthening were the main strengthening mechanisms. Moreover, in order to control the interfacial reaction between GO and Al matrix, the thermodynamic/kinetic condition and growth mechanism for the formation of Al4C3 were analyzed in details.

Temperature effects on solid state bonding joints of ultrafine-grained CNT/Al–Cu–Mg composites

The joining of CNT/Al composites is a technology bottleneck in its engineering application. In this study, a bonding method of ultrafine-grained CNT/Al–4Cu–1Mg composites was performed. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were characterized, then the interface bonding process and mechanism were explored. The results indicate that increasing temperature can accelerate the healing of interface voids and the dissolution of interface oxides, but overheat will lead to the softening of bonding joints and the conversion of CNTs to Al4C3. Under the optimal temperature of 500 °C, the bonding interface has basically healed, and the bonding strength is up to 380 MPa, which exceeds 90 % of the strength of raw materials. Besides, the key to interface healing is the fragmentation and dissolution of interface oxides which have been identified as MgAl2O4. The bonding behavior is a synergistic effect of dynamic recovery, interface migration, and atomic diffusion. Especially, CNTs and Al4C3 phases provide short-circuit diffusion channels and also inhibit the softening of the joints.

Interface engineering in CF/Al matrix composites for enhancement in mechanical strength and anti-corrosion properties

Metal matrix composites (MMCs), renowned for their lightweight and exceptional mechanical properties, are currently in high demand. Herein, carbon fiber‑aluminum metal matrix composites (CF/Al MMCs) modified with 4 types of corrosion-barrier interface coatings (CBCs), respectively, including Ni, TiO2, ZnO, and Al2O3 were investigated, and the composites were prepared by squeeze casting technique. The effects of these CBCs on the CF/Al interface reaction and the mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion resistance of the composites are revealed and discussed thoroughly. It is observed that T300‑carbon fiber reinforced MMCs without any CBCs exhibit low mechanical strength due to the formation of Al4C3 phase induced by strong interaction between fiber and matrix. With CBCs, the formation of Al4C3 was significantly suppressed. Comparatively, the ZnO-coated CF/Al MMCs exhibit the most remarkable enhancement in the mechanical properties with a flexural strength of 796.4 MPa and a modulus of 105.3 GPa, which are approximately 114% and 52.2% higher than those of the counterparts without CBCs, respectively. More importantly, the CF/Al MMCs with CBCs demonstrate superior chemical corrosion resistance, retaining their mechanical performance even after a 7-day immersion in salt solutions. These results provide an important guideline in interface engineering for MMCs with enhanced mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion resistance.

Microstructure refinement and mechanical properties enhancement of Mg[sbnd]Al alloys via a novel of MgO nanoparticles modified graphene nanoplates refiner by in-situ synthesis

Grain refinement by inoculation treatment is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to improve the mechanical properties of MgAl alloys. In this study, a novel GNP@MgO grain refiner was designed by an in-situ reaction of CO2 gas and Mg melt. It can significantly reduce the average grain sizes of Mg9Al alloys from 126.9 μm to 12.7 μm. The mechanical properties of Mg9Al alloys were significantly enhanced, and its ultimate compressive strength was increased from 370 MPa to 436 MPa. HRTEM characterization and atomic interface analyses have shown that the Al4C3 phase has an orientation relationship with α-Mg as (009)Al4C3//(002)Mg, and [11−20]Al4C3//[11–20]Mg, which has a low degree of lattice mismatch of 5.79%. Besides, these MgO nanoparticles can adsorb on the surface of α-Mg grains and play a role in hindering growth and solute diffusion. The ultra-high grain refinement efficiency of 90% is achieved through the synergistic effects of GNP promoting heterogeneous nucleation and MgO nanoparticles inhibiting grain growth. This work sheds new light on designing innovative and effective grain refiners for Mg alloys.

Investigation of the Effect of High-Frequency Induction Sintering on Phase Structure and Microstructure of SiC Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites

In this study, SiC-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were powder metallurgically (PM) prepared and sintered using high-frequency induction system (HFIS). The samples with different ratios of SiC (wt.%10, 20 and 40) added to the aluminum matrix were sintered at 660, 800, and 1000 °C. In addition, Al/SiC composites were compared by sintering with the conventional sintering (CS) method under similar sintering conditions. The heating rate for the sintering process using HFIS was 500 °C/min, while the CS method used a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The effect of the temperature and SiC ratio on the density, hardness, phase structure, and microstructure of composites was investigated. The optimum sintering temperature was determined according to the SiC additive amount. When 10%, 20%, and 40% SiC by weight were added to the aluminum matrix in the sintering process with HFIS, the required sintering temperatures were determined as 660, 800, and 1000 °C, respectively. While new phases were not formed as a result of short-term HFIS sintering, a high-temperature Al4C3 phase was detected in CS sintering. HFIS sintered Al/SiC composite samples were obtained in Al and SiC phases with high density and hardness ranging from 43-118 HV. In the high-temperature sintering process with HFIS, the formation of Al4C3 was prevented and its physical and mechanical properties were improved.

Formation of Al-incorporated SiC thin films by chemical vapor deposition of vinylsilane mixed with trimethylaluminum

We demonstrated the synthesis of Al-incorporated amorphous SiC thin films with a vinylsilane precursor, which were grown at a growth temperature of 800 °C using a hot-wall CVD system with a simultaneous supply of vinylsilane and trimethylaluminum (TMA). The SiC films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The introduction of TMA was controlled by a needle valve, and the Al composition ratio increased with the amount of TMA introduced. The Si–C bond in the thin films was dominant up to 0.25 mm aperture length of the needle valve (ALNV), and the amorphous structure was maintained up to an Al composition ratio of approximately 20%. The Al–C bond became dominant for samples with a 0.50 mm ALNV, and the crystalline Al4C3 phase was observed. Al-incorporated amorphous SiC films could also be obtained if no excess TMA was introduced into vinylsilane.

Aluminum carbide formation in Al-graphite composites: In situ study and effects of processing variables and sintering method

The particulate-reinforced aluminum–matrix composites are interesting due to their attractive physical and mechanical properties over their monolithic counterparts, which are related to their prominent structural differences. The effect of interfacial reaction on the mechanical properties of the Al composites has been attributed to the influence of the reaction product. In this work, the formation of Al4C3 in Al-Gr compounds prepared by high-energy ball milling and sintered by high-frequency induction is compared with a conventional method of sintering: cold compaction and furnace sintering. The conditions related to the generation of this carbide and a precise temperature in which the initial generation of this phase occurs were determined. The different results and the in-situ characterization using HR-TEM showed the substantial reactivity of graphite in the aluminum matrix, leading to the formation of the Al4C3 phase within a few seconds of heating to 250 °C. The conventionally sintered samples displayed the highest number and size of Al4C3 precipitates. In contrast, the heated sample exhibited varied quantities and sizes of these precipitates. Notably, the high-frequency induction sintered samples contained smaller Al4C3 precipitates with a lower number density. Structural, microstructural, and chemical composition results of this phase formed in Al-Gr composites are also shown.

Effect of milling time on microstructure and hardness of AA7075-15 wt% SiC-1 wt% MWCNT nanocomposite

In this study, the effect of ball milling on microstructure and hardness of Al7075 - 15 wt% SiC - 1 wt% MWCNT nanocomposite was investigated as a function of milling time up to 20 h. Mechanically alloyed powders were consolidated by cold pressing followed by sintering at 560°C for 1 h in an argon atmosphere. The structural characterization of nanocomposites was conducted by a X-ray diffractometer (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and grain size analyses. The hardness of samples was measured by using Wolpert Wilson-400 micro-hardness testing equipment comprising of a Vickers indenter. The structural defects of pristine and milled MWCNTs were calculated by using defect and carbon intensity ratio (ID/IG) resulted from Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that after ball milling, the grain size decreases depending on the milling time, the intermetallic Al4C3 phase is formed as a result of the reaction between the matrix and the MWCNT particles, and the MWCNT structure is destroyed. The finest grain size and highest hardness values were obtained as 483 nm and 134 HV, respectively, after 15 h of grinding.

Re-dissolution behavior of secondary phases and mechanical response of CNT/2024Al composites

Heat treatment is one of the most effective strategies for regulating microstructure and enhancing the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites. In this work, the effects of solution treatment on the static recrystallization behavior, characteristics of secondary phases dissolving, and mechanical response of carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CNT/2024Al) were systematically investigated using transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Since plenty of deformation stored energy in as-extruded composites is consumed, the residual energy is insufficient to induce static recrystallization during solution treatment. Besides, various interfacial phases aggregated around the Al2Cu phases, which reduced the effective contact area between the Al2Cu phases and matrix, and severely hindered the dissolution process of the Al2Cu phases. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of as-solution treated composites were 23.2%, 44.9%, and 23.0% higher than those of as-extruded composites, respectively. The enhanced yield strength is attributed to solid solution strengthening induced by the dissolution of secondary phases, thermal mismatch strengthening, and the strengthening originating from the formation of Al4C3 phases.

Interfacial microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced Al-matrix composites fabricated by a pressureless infiltration process

In this study, unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced aluminum-matrix (CF/Al) composites were successfully fabricated by using a pressureless infiltration process to infiltrate Ni-coated CFs with Al. The evolution of the interfacial microstructure was investigated. The results showed that the Al–Ni reaction provided the main driving force for infiltration of Al melt into CF bundles by the significantly improving wettability. As the infiltration time increased from 0 min to 8 min, the infiltration behavior gradually improved with fewer defects and better fiber dispersion. Furthermore, the Al–Ni intermetallic compounds (IMCs) transformed from the large-sized primary Al3Ni phase to fine Al3Ni phase with eutectic structure, and were uniformly distributed around the CFs, which was beneficial for transferring the load and preventing the crack propagation. However, the harmful Al4C3 phase grew up at the interface. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the CF/Al composites with the optimal infiltration time of 6 min was 135 ± 4 MPa, which was 121.3 % higher than that of the Al matrix.

The formation mechanisms and mechanical effects of lattice defects in carbon nanotube reinforced 2024Al composite

Lattice defects significantly affect the mechanical performance of metallic materials. In this study, lattice defects of a carbon nanotube reinforced 2024 aluminum alloy (CNT/2024Al) composite were systematically investigated and the contribution of carbon nanotubes was illustrated. The results showed that dislocations and grain boundaries were closely related to the deformation behavior and lead to discontinuous yielding phenomena. Moreover, the carbon nanotubes reduced the stacking fault energy, which was conducive to forming stacking faults and a small number of twins in the composite. The stacking faults, twin boundaries, and intragranular Al4C3 phases hindered dislocation motion, thus enhancing the mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, the novel formation mechanism of the 9R structure was revealed: the Σ3(11‾1)/(151) incoherent twin boundary may dissociate into two tilt walls bounding a 9R structure (zone axis: [1‾01]), which enriches understanding of the relationship between Σ3 twin boundaries and the 9R structure.

Microstructural Characteristics of Al4C3 Phase and the Interfaces in Al/Graphene Nanoplatelet Composites and their Effect on the Mechanical Properties

Microstructural Characteristics of Al4C3 Phase and the Interfaces in Al/Graphene Nanoplatelet Composites and their Effect on the Mechanical Properties

Investigation of Ti alloying for microstructural evolution and strengthening mechanism: Avoiding Al4C3 formation in SiCp/Al composites via laser directed energy deposition

The near-net-shape characteristics of Additive Manufacturing offer significant advantages in fabricating SiCp/Al composite components. However, the high-temperature melt pool during the deposition process promotes an interface reaction between SiC and Al, forming Al4C3. Al4C3 shortens the service life of SiCp/Al composite structural components, so it is critical to avoid its formation when preparing SiCp/Al composites via laser-directed energy deposition. This study prepared SiCp/Al composite components through coincident wire powder laser-directed energy deposition with Ti alloying, effectively preventing the formation of Al4C3 in AMC. Furthermore, it investigated the effect of Ti atoms on the microstructural evolution and strengthening mechanism. The results showed that the formation of large flake-like Al4C3 was avoided without generating excess Al3Ti only when using an appropriate amount of Ti (Ti: SiC = 3: 10). After introducing Ti, Ti atoms in the melt pool migrated towards the SiC surface and reacted with C atoms (from the dissolution of SiC) and formed TiC. The resulting TiC enclosed the SiC particles in a thin film, preventing the further dissolution of SiC and inhibiting the generation of Al4C3. Additionally, some TiC nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix, serving as heterogeneous nucleation sites for Al, reducing the average equivalent circular grain radius from 38.10 µm to 7.20 µm. After Ti alloying, the average modulus and yield strength of AMC both increased. This increase was attributed to the load transfer energy of SiC particles, grain refinement of the matrix, and the dispersion-strengthening effect of TiC nanoparticles. An intrinsic relationship between the SiC-Al-Ti interfacial reaction and the mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composites has been established to provide theoretical guidance for eliminating Al4C3 phases in SiCp/Al composites prepared by laser-directed energy deposition, ensuring performance comparable to traditionally fabricated products.

Copper coated graphene reinforced aluminum composites with enhanced mechanical strength and conductivity

Traditional methods to enhancing mechanical strength of metallic materials would result in the inverse effect on the conductivity and how to prevent this inversed relationship between strength and conductivity has been a long-known problem, especially for electrically conductive materials. Here we report a strategy that utilize copper coated graphene as reinforcement, concurrently enhancing both the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of aluminum matrix. Copper coated graphene reinforced composites were fabricated through a sequence of procedures involving chemical deposition, ball milling, and vacuum hot-pressing sintering processes. Copper coating on graphene not only avoids graphene from agglomeration but also prevents the development of degraded Al4C3 phase as well as increasing the interface bonding and the electrical contact between reinforcements and the matrix. The composite possesses an ultimate tensile strength of 242 MPa and a conductivity of 34.5 MS/m, respectively, with introducing 0.5 vol% graphene, which is around 102% and 8.15% higher than the corresponding values for pure aluminum manufactured under the same circumstances. Compared to other routine methods, this approach effectively tackles the enduring challenge of reconciling the trade-off between strength and electrical conductivity in metallic materials.

Evaluation of reactive wetting kinetics of carbon fibers by molten Al-Ti alloy and its application to the fabrication of Al/carbon fiber composites

Wetting and interfacial reactions between molten Al and carbon fibers (CFs) are crucial for the fabrication of high-thermal conductive Al/CF composites through liquid-state processes including casting. The formation of Al4C3 which has a low thermal conductivity and high reactivity with water needs to be suppressed while improving wettability. The addition of Ti into molten Al forms TiC and contributes to significant improvement in wettability. To control a thin morphology of TiC, the kinetics of reactive wetting need to be clarified. In the present study, the reactive wetting kinetics between molten Al or Al-Ti alloy and pitch-based CF were investigated using the dipping coverage method combined with microstructural observations. The addition of Ti into molten Al drastically accelerated the wetting and reduced the apparent activation barrier for reactive wetting, which was related to the change in the interfacial products from the Al4C3 phase to the TiC phase. The Al4C3 phase grew while eroding the CFs, whereas the TiC phase formed in a thin-layered morphology around CFs and suppressed the diameter reduction of CF. The reduction in the apparent activation barrier and the morphology of carbides indicated a change in the dominant phenomena for reactive wetting from Al4C3 growth to TiC formation (controlled by diffusion in liquid Al). Based on the kinetics evaluations, CF were hybridized with pure Al and Al-Ti alloy through a casting process, and their thermal conductivities were evaluated. The addition of CF into pure Al degraded the thermal conductivity due to the eroded CF and coarsened Al4C3 phase, whereas the addition of CF into Al-Ti alloy enhanced the thermal conductivity. This study provides new insights into reactive wetting phenomena related to the fabrication of high-thermal conductive metal matrix composites.