Role of heat treatment on mechanical and wear characteristics of Al-TiC composites

The aim of this work is to explore the mechanical and wear properties of Al-TiC composites synthesized through liquid metallurgy technique. Al6061 was the matrix material used and Titanium carbide (TiC) is the reinforcement material. The composites were fabricated by adding TiC of 3, 6, 9 and 12 wt. % to Al6061. Thermal processing was used on the produced composite specimens to accomplish solutionization at 530 °C for a period of 8 hours and quenched in three different medias like air, water and ice. The effect of heat treatment and quenching media was evaluated in the research. In order to validate the effect of heat treatment as cast samples also studies for its wear properties. Results outcomes shows the better mechanical and wear characteristics compare to composites that haven't been heat treated. Also, superior mechanical and wear characteristics of composites are produced by ice quenching compare to air and water quenching. Wear out samples are investigated through SEM to study the mechanism of wear. Microstructure study was made, and it reveals good bond between matrix and reinforcement material.