Synergistic Strengthening Effect of Reinforcing Spark Plasma Sintered Al-Zn-TiC Nanocomposites with TiC Nanoparticles

In this investigation, Al-10Zn-TiC nanocomposite powders were prepared by varying the reinforcement content in wt.% via mechanical alloying in order to fabricate bulk samples via spark plasma sintering technique. The grain size exhibited in bulk samples was 17 +/- 08 mu m in 10 wt% TiC reinforced nanocomposites. The introduced TiC nanoparticles were improved the load carrying ability of the final product. The advanced microscopic studies such as X-ray diffraction analysis, SEM, HR-TEM along with the ring pattern were analysed to ensure the phases and their distribution of reinforced nanoparticles in the Al matrix. The XRD results revealed the formation of TiC present in the matrix, and SEM analysis conveys the uniform distribution and absence of clustering among the reinforcement particles; TEM results depicted the clear interface between the matrix and TiC nanoparticles. The mechanical properties such as hardness and compression studies were carried out in the bulk specimens. The obtained results confirmed the nanocomposites exhibit higher strength which was not only due to decrease in grain size but also due to the occurrence of different strengthening mechanisms such as grain boundary, Orowan and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch strengthening commensurate with the nanoscale TiC addition.

Automated summary

Al-10Zn-TiC nanocomposite powders were prepared by mechanical alloying with varying reinforcement content, and bulk samples with 10 wt% TiC reinforcement showed a grain size of 17 +/- 08 μm and improved load carrying ability. Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence and distribution of reinforced nanoparticles in the Al matrix, with XRD results showing TiC formation, SEM analysis revealing uniform distribution of particles, and TEM showing clear interface between matrix and TiC nanoparticles. Mechanical properties testing indicated higher strength in nanocomposites due to multiple strengthening mechanisms from nanoscale TiC addition.