Tribological, mechanical and microstructure characteristics of hybrid aluminium matrix composite containing titanium carbide (TiC) and graphite particles

Abstract

The present study emphasize on the characterization and microstructure evaluation of aluminium composite with different weight fraction of constituents. These composites were produced by incorporating titanium carbide and graphite particles in the aluminium matrix through stir casting technique. The composites were characterized by evaluating the micro hardness, density, tensile strength, peak elongation and impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests were performed to investigate uniform dispersion of the reinforcement particles in the matrix. It is evident that the addition of reinforcement particles with aluminium matrix yielded an increase in micro hardness and density by 62.82% and 7.05% respectively when compared to matrix. Tensile tests exposed that there was improvement in ultimate strength from 170 to 239.11 MPa while the elongation was dropped to 7.1%. The microscopic study of the specimen explored the plastic deformation through existence of dimples, ridges in the wrecked surfaces.

Keywords

• Micro hardness
• Aluminium composite
• Titanium carbide
• Graphite
• Plastic deformation