Evaluation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-TiC Metal Matrix Composite Prepared by Conventional, Microwave and Spark Plasma Sintering Methods

Abstract

In this research, the mechanical properties and microstructure of Al-15 wt % TiC composite samples prepared by spark plasma, microwave, and conventional sintering were investigated. The sintering process was performed by the speak plasma sintering (SPS) technique, microwave and conventional furnaces at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C, respectively. The results showed that sintered samples by SPS have the highest relative density (99% of theoretical density), bending strength (291 ± 12 MPa), and hardness (253 ± 23 HV). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations showed the formation of TiO₂ from the surface layer decomposition of TiC particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in all sintered samples. The SEM/EDS analysis revealed the formation of TiO₂ around the porous TiC particles.

Keywords: aluminum; microwave; spark plasma sintering; titanium carbide.

Figure 1

XRD (X-ray diffraction) patterns of SPS (speak plasma sintering), microwave, and conventional samples sintered at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C.

Figure 2

Temperature-time curve for conventional, microwave, and spark plasma sintering processes.

Figure 3

Displacement changes vs sintering time for SPS sintering.

Figure 4

Displacement rate vs sintering time for the SPS sample.

Figure 5

SEM micrograph of: (a) conventional; (b) microwave; and (c) SPS sintered samples.

Figure 6

FESEM micrographs of: (a) conventional; (b) microwave; and (c) SPS sintered samples.

Figure 7

Backscattered and EDS elemental mapping of the microwave sintered sample.

Figure 8

Backscattered and EDS elemental mapping of the spark plasma sintered sample.

Figure 9

Load-extension curve for SPS, microwave, and conventional sintered samples.