The Effect of TiC on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA 2024 MMCs

Abstract

The present works describes the mechanical properties of AA 2024 metal matrix composites reinforced with TiC. TiC particles of size 325 mesh were taken as the reinforcement material to prepare the metal matrix composites by using stir casting technique. The percentage of reinforcement varied from 0 to 6% wt in steps of 2%. Mechanical characterization such as tensile strength, hardness test, density tests were conducted as per ASTM standards. Experiment results reveals that there is an improvement in Ultimate tensile strength and hardness properties with the increase in the weight percentage of reinforcement. Optical microscopy technique was used to examine microstructures of the sample specimens and the microstructure revealed uniform distribution of particles and presence of reinforcements in the matrix phase. Experimental studies invokes that the 6%wt of TiC increases the tensile strength by 8% and hardness values by 9% comparing with that of as cast AA2024. Results also evident that there was a decrease in ductility and percentage of elongation with the increase in the percentage reinforcement.