Influence of TiC content on mechanical, wear and corrosion properties of hot-pressed AZ91/TiC composites

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the mechanical, wear and corrosion performances of TiC reinforced AZ91 matrix composites. AZ91 alloy and AZ91/TiC composites with different weight fractions of 10, 20 and 30 (wt%) were fabricated by powder metallurgy incorporating hot pressing. Microstructure characterization shows that partial agglomeration of particles is present especially in AZ91/30 wt% TiC composite. The addition of TiC led to significant improvement in hardness and wear resistance. Observed wear mechanism is abrasive. As compared with AZ91, compressive yield strength and ultimate compressive strength of the composites were also significantly improved. On the other hand, corrosion rate increased with the addition of TiC particles by virtue of presence of the galvanic reactions.