Effect of Particle Size Distribution and Mixing Homogeneity on Microstructure and Hardness of Sintered Al-Tic Nano Composites

Aluminium matrix infused with titanium carbide (TiC) particles was prepared by means of powder metallurgy process. The effect of TiC addition on microstructure, hardness and electrical conductivity of as-sintered Al-TiC with 2 μm and ≤ 200 nm reinforcement were investigated. Microstructure studies reveal the even distribution of TiC particles in the aluminium matrix. With increasing addition of TiC, the hardness of composites increased after the 10% and suddenly reduced because the composites reduce its resistance and create more sites for crack initiation. Hardness and electrical conductivity of composites have been varied based on particle size variation of TiC.