Microstructure Characterization of In Situ Ti-TiB Metal Matrix Composites Prepared by Powder Metallurgy Process

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are the new generation materials that combine both the metallic properties (ductility and toughness) and ceramic characteristics (high strength and modulus), leading to higher strength in shear and compression, at higher service temperatures. Titanium matrix composites possess light weight, high strength and good corrosion resistance and are used as structural materials in automobiles and aerospace industries. In the present study, in situ Ti-TiB composites were fabricated by reinforcing (2, 5, 10 and 20 wt. %) TiB2 powder (mean size <10 microns) into titanium powder (mean particle size ~26.58 μm) and subsequently consolidated by vacuum sintering at 1300 °C for 3 h. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and density measurements were carried out to characterize the prepared composites. The results showed that all compositions led to high density composites, and the hardness of the composites increased with an increase in the amount of reinforcement. The mechanism of vacuum sintering is yet to be understood in the consolidation of composites and the detailed evolution of microstructure needs to be analysed.