Effect of TiC Reinforcement on Mechanical and Wear Properties of AZ91 Matrix Composites

The microstructures, tribological and mechanical properties of TiC particulates reinforced AZ91 alloy have been investigated in this study. The effect of variation (3%, 6%, 9% and 12% by weight) of TiC particles (average size of 20 mu m) are used to develop metal matrix composites of AZ91 Mg alloy in the current study. The composites were stirred, cast and characterized for their physical, mechanical and tribological behaviour. It was found that the addition of TiC refined the microstructure of the AZ91 composites. The porosity and density of the Magnesium (Mg) alloy composite increased with the percentage of TiC particulates. It was also found that the tensile strength initially decreased and then increased with an increase in TiC particulates in magnesium alloys. The wear rate of the TiC reinforced composites was lower than the unreinforced composites. The average coefficient of friction of the composite was also lower than the unreinforced alloy and decreased with the normal load.