Pressing and Infiltration of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

The ability to produce metal matrix nanocomposites via pressing and infiltration was validated. Al/TiC nanocomposite was used as the model material. Pressing the powder in a die yielded cylindrical specimens with a green density of 1.98 +/- 0.05 g/cm(3), which was increased to only 2.11 +/- 0.12 g/cm(3) by sintering. Direct infiltration of the pressed specimens at 1050 degrees C for 3.5 h yielded specimens with a density of 3.07 +/- 0.08 g/cm(3), an open porosity of 3.06 +/- 1.40%, and an areal void fraction of 8.09 +/- 2.67%. The TiC nanoparticles were verified to be well dispersed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The measured hardness of 64 +/- 3 HRA makes it a promising material for structural applications in industries such as aerospace and automotive.