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.

Fabrication of Titanium-Niobium-Zirconium-Tantalium Alloy (TNZT) Bioimplant Components with Controllable Porosity by Spark Plasma Sintering

“…In the present study, these relationships are investigated specifically for TNZT samples produced using SPS. After consulting the literature, the following trends were anticipated: Increasing the sintering temperature should increase the final sample density [ 29 ]; Increasing the sintering pressure should increase the final sample density [ 29 ]; Increasing the holding time should increase the final sample density [ 32 ]; Decreasing the initial particle size should increase the final sample density [ 33 ]; Using designed particle distributions can be employed to tune the compaction density [ 31 ]. …”

“…SPS has been shown to achieve faster densification than traditional sintering techniques [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Therefore, by creating porous components using SPS, a maximum amount of time saving can be achieved.…”

Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviors of Titanium Matrix Composites Containing In Situ Whiskers Synthesized via Plasma Activated Sintering

“…Using the DC pulse voltage of the switch to generate an instantaneous, high-temperature plasma between the powder particles or the gap, it is possible to quickly eliminate the impurity and gas adsorbed on the surface of the powder particles, and promote the high speed diffusion and migration of the material. Ghasali et al have compared the effects of spark plasma, microwave, and conventional sintering on the relative density and mechanical properties of Al-15 wt % TiC composite samples, and the SPS technique achieved the most remarkable effect [ 26 , 27 ]. The materials can be consolidated at lower temperatures, in a short period of time using the PAS process [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Effects of Carbon Source on TiC Particles’ Distribution, Tensile, and Abrasive Wear Properties of In Situ TiC/Al-Cu Nanocomposites Prepared in the Al-Ti-C System

“…The demands for energy saving and low fuel consumption in the structural fields and heat sink applications have inspired the developments of the lightweight Al alloys and corresponding Al matrix composites [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The Al matrix composites with ceramic particles reinforcements show more excellent thermal stability, mechanical performance and wear resistance than the Al alloys [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”