The Effect of Alloying on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of the Hot-Forged Aluminum Matrix Powder Composites in the Al–Ti–C System

Abstract

The data of structural and phase analysis of master alloys produced by thermal synthesis from three compositions of Al–Ti–С powder mixtures are presented. It is shown, that depending on the content ratio of titanium and carbon, the heating of the mixture leads to an in situ formation of titanium carbide TiC or complex titanium-aluminum carbides dispersed particles. The aluminum matrix composites with titanium carbide hardening phase are produced by hot forging using synthesized master alloys. It is established that the increase in carbide content entails the increase in the strength and hardness of composites, while ductility decreases. Therefore, the hardness and strength properties of the composites produced from the charge prepared in the mixer is significantly lower than that of the samples produced from the charge prepared in a planetary mill, whereas the ductility of the latter is slightly lower.