The effect of TiAl and Ti3 Al reinforcement on microstructure changes and properties of aluminium matrix composites

Purpose: The main purpose of this monograph research is to present the results of the author’s own investigations concerning development and characterisation of the aluminium matrix composite’s reinforced with intermetallic particles being the outcome of the concept of merging the mechanical alloying with the powder metallurgy. As the result the nanostructured composites were fabricated with the exclusive mechanical properties as the result of fine microstructure.Design/methodology/approach: Powder metallurgy (PM) combined with (MA) offers innumerable advantages over casting metallurgy, making possible to improve the existing properties but also conferring new properties. Results presented in this paper were obtained in such processes. Experiment have been developed to improve the characteristics of aluminum matrix composites, because of produced fine and uniform dispersions of reinforcements particles. Final consolidation, shaping and forming have been done by hot extrusion. Testing of mechanical properties encompassed hardness testing, tensile as well as compression testing, and determining the sliding wear resistance. Detailed structural examinations have been carried out to determine the effect of mechanical alloying and reinforcing particles on microstructure changes and properties of investigated composites.Findings: Applying mechanical alloying route of composite powders production, makes it possible to obtain diminution of reinforcing particles size as well as homogenous reinforcement particles distribution. Extruded composites are characterized by a very homogeneous distribution of intermetallic particles and the absence of any reaction and with good cohesion at the matrix/particle interfaces. Observed changes in the microstructure, influence on the mechanical properties of obtained composite particles.Practical implications: Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with ceramic particles have already found several applications. However, they suffer from some drawbacks due to high abrasiveness and brittleness of ceramics. Lately, intermetallic particles have emerged as possible substitutes for ceramic reinforcements in aluminium alloys.Originality/value: Employment of the modern composite production techniques, and especially of the nanostructured one with emerging potetial of intermetallics as the reinforcing phases, makes it possible to obtain specific properties thus application. The paper presents extensive knowledge related to microstructure and effect of reinforcement on it.