Production and characterization of titanium carbide particulate reinforced AA6061 aluminum alloy composites using stir casting

Stir casting is an economical method to produce aluminum matrix composites. In the present work, composites of aluminum alloy AA6061 reinforced with various amounts (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt.%) of TiC particles were prepared by stir casting technique. X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared composites clearly revealed the incorporation of TiC particles without the presence of any other compounds. The microstructures of the composites were studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the TiC particles distributed all over the composite and properly bonded to the matrix alloy. Local clusters of TiC particles were also seen in a few places. The result shows that the reinforcement of TiC particles enhances the microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and wear resistance of the composite. The details of fracture morphology, worn surface, and wear debris are also presented in this paper. K e y w o r d s: metal matrix composites, stir casting, microstructure, mechanical properties