SEM and TEM Studies on In-Situ Cast Al–TiC Composites

This work concerns microstructure investigation of aluminum based composites strengthened with the TiC nanoparticles. The composites were fabricated by the casting method combined with in-situ formation of TiC particles. Transmission electron microscopy observation shown that the average size of TiC particles was close to 140 nm. HRTEM investigation of the interface between Al matrix and TiC particles shown the existence of misfit dislocation located in the Al-matrix, 2 nm far from interface boundary. Two other, bigger kinds of particles with size of several micrometers and blocky shape of alpha-Al2O3 and TiAl3 phases were also identified in the investigated composites which can influence both strengthening mechanism and plasticity.