Influence of TiO₂ on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al₂O_3p/Steel Matrix Composites Prepared by Squeeze Casting

Abstract

By adding TiO2 powder into the preform, Al2O3 particles reinforced 1065 steel matrix composites were prepared by squeeze casting. The influence of TiO2 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The results indicate that TiO2 and Al2TiO5 were produced at the interface between matrix and Al2O3 particles. Hardness and three point bending strength reach 39.0HRC and 743.94MPa respectively, which was 10.0% and 26.4% higher than those of the composites without TiO2 powder. Fracture morphologies show that there is no crack at the interface and Al2O3 particles are transcrystalline rupture. The interface bonding is improved by TiO2 powder for the Al2O3 particles reinforced composites, and the mechanical properties of the composites increase.

Keywords

• squeeze casting
• TiO₂
• Al₂O₃ particle
• steel matrix composite
• interface
• mechanical property