Development of Al-SiC-TiO2 hybrid composite using powder metallurgy route and the influence of TiO2 content variation on microstructure and mechanical properties

In the present study, aluminum matrix was reinforced with SiC and TiO2 powders to synthesize Al-SiC-TiO2 hybrid composites by using a powder metallurgy route. The influence of variation in TiO2 content is thoroughly evaluated over the microstructure and mechanical properties. The uniform distribution and growth in the interfacial bonding between the matrix phase and reinforcement particles were confirmed from the overall scanning electron micrographs. Further, the measured hardness and density values significantly increased with the increase in TiO2 content. In addition to that, the compressive strength had increased up to 5 wt.% of TiO2. However, at higher content of TiO2, a decreasing trend is found due to the excess cluster formation.

Automated summary

In this study, Al-SiC-TiO2 hybrid composites were synthesized by reinforcing aluminum matrix with SiC and TiO2 powders using a powder metallurgy route. The influence of varying TiO2 content on the microstructure and mechanical properties was thoroughly evaluated. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed the uniform distribution and growth of interfacial bonding between the matrix phase and reinforcement particles. Additionally, hardness and density values significantly increased with increasing TiO2 content. Compressive strength reached a maximum at 5 wt.% TiO2, but decreased at higher TiO2 contents due to excess cluster formation.