Improving mechanical performance of Al by using Ti as reinforcement

In the present study, Al based composite reinforced with Ti particulates was fabricated by using the disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) processing technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization of the as-extruded composite samples revealed a near uniform distribution of the Ti particulates in the Al matrix, good interfacial integrity between the Ti particulates and the Al matrix and minimal presence of porosity. Mechanical properties characterization revealed that the addition of Ti particulates resulted in an increase in macrohardness, 0.2% YS, UTS and elastic modulus. However, the ductility of the composite was found to be decreased by the addition of Ti particulates in the Al matrix. The fractured samples of the composite showed the ductile mode of fracture in the case of Al matrix whilst particle fracture and debonding were observed as the failure mode of the Ti reinforcement. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.