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

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