Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• TiC particles act as heterogeneous nucleation sites, refining α-Al grains in Al-Cu-Mn alloys, with optimal refinement at 1.3wt.% TiC reducing grain size from 139±42 μm to 90±38 μm. • The addition of TiC particles suppresses Cu segregation at grain boundaries, enhancing microstructural homogeneity. • Hardness and wear resistance of the composites improve with TiC addition up to an optimal content, then decline at higher concentrations. • Semi-continuous casting proves effective for fabricating TiC-reinforced aluminum matrix composites with tailored properties for automotive and aerospace applications.
Abstract
Al-based TiC particle-reinforced composites with varying TiC concentrations were fabricated through semi-continuous casting. The effects of TiC particles on the alloys’ microstructure, grain boundary segregation, and mechanical properties were systematically analyzed. Moreover, the mechanisms by which TiC particles contribute to grain refinement, suppression of grain boundary segregation, and enhancement of hardness and wear resistance were discussed. The results demonstrate that TiC particles act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for α-Al within the Al-Cu-Mn alloys, leading to a refinement of grain size. As the TiC particle’s content increases, the grain size of the alloy drops at first and then elevates, transitioning from coarse dendritic crystals to fine equiaxed grains. At a TiC content of 1.3wt.%, the alloy exhibits the smallest grain size, reducing from 139±42 μm without TiC to 90±38 μm. Beyond this concentration, grain coarsening is observed. The incorporation of TiC particles effectively mitigates Cu segregation at grain boundaries, thereby enhancing the homogeneity of the Al-Cu-Mn matrix alloys. Additionally, the addition of TiC particles promotes hardness and wear resistance. Both hardness and wear resistance exhibit an initial increase followed by a decrease with increasing TiC content from 0 to 1.8wt.%.
1. Introduction
Aluminum alloys are renowned for their exceptional properties, including high strength, elevated elastic modulus, superior toughness, and outstanding corrosion resistance, making them integral to applications in the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries [1-4]. However, the rapid advancement of technology has rendered the performance of conventional metal alloys insufficient to meet the demands of contemporary high-tech products. In response to these challenges, a novel class of materials, particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites, have been developed [5-7].
Particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites are characterized by excellent casting properties, low density, high specific strength and modulus, commendable plasticity and wear resistance, and relatively low manufacturing costs. These attributes have led to their widespread application in the automotive and aerospace sectors [8-10], establishing them as a preferred choice for lightweight structural materials. Titanium carbide (TiC) particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites exemplify this category, offering several advantages, including a low thermal expansion coefficient, good dimensional stability, satisfying high-temperature performance, and superior wear resistance. Furthermore, TiC and Al have similar face-centered cubic configurations with comparable lattice constants (TiC: 0.423 nm; Al: 0.404 nm), resulting in minimal lattice mismatch. Given aluminum’s abundance, cost-effectiveness, low melting point, and ease of processing, TiC/Al composites have emerged as a prominent focus in the study of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites [11-13].
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Gao-song Wang, Sheng-xiao Zhou, Zhi-yu Gao, Tao Zheng, Da Xu, Wen-tao Sun, Zai-hong Wang (2025). Impact of TiC particles on microstructure and properties of Al-Cu-Mn alloys by semi-continuous casting. China Foundry. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41230-025-4267-y
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal TiC content for grain refinement in Al-Cu-Mn alloys?
The optimal TiC content is 1.3wt.%, which reduces the grain size from 139±42 μm to 90±38 μm.
How do TiC particles affect grain boundary segregation?
TiC particles effectively mitigate Cu segregation at grain boundaries, enhancing the homogeneity of the Al-Cu-Mn matrix alloys.
What are the effects of TiC addition on hardness and wear resistance?
TiC addition promotes hardness and wear resistance, with both properties initially increasing and then decreasing as TiC content rises from 0 to 1.8wt.%.
What fabrication method was used to produce the composites?
The composites were fabricated through semi-continuous casting.
What is the significance of TiC particles in aluminum matrix composites?
TiC particles act as heterogeneous nucleation sites, refining grains and improving mechanical properties, making them suitable for lightweight structural applications in automotive and aerospace industries.
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