Different strain-rate dependent compressive properties and work-hardening capacities of 50 vol% TiCx/Al and TiB2/Al composites

Compression tests of the 50 vol% TiCx/Al and the 50 vol% TiB2/Al composites have been performed in the strain rate range from 1 × 10−4 s−1 to 1 × 10−1 s−1, and the effect of strain rate on the compressive behavior and the work-hardening capacity (Hc) of them have been investigated. The yield strength (σtruey) and the Hc of both the composites are strain rate sensitive, while the ductility is insensitive to the strain rate. The ultimate compressive strength (σtrueUCS) of the TiB2/Al composites is not significantly influenced by the strain rate, while that of the TiCx/Al composite increases from 615 MPa to 826 MPa with the strain rate increasing. Under various strain rates, the σtrueUCS of the TiB2/Al composite is significantly better than that of the TiCx/Al composite, while its ductility and Hc are lower than that of the TiCx/Al composite. At the strain rate of 1 × 10−4 s−1, the σtrueUCS of the TiB2/Al composite and the TiCx/Al composite are 1071 MPa and 615 MPa, respectively; while the Hc of them are 0.87 and 0.99, respectively.

► 50 vol% TiCx/Al and 50 vol% TiB2/Al were fabricated by the in situ method.
► The compression behavior of two composites was studied at different strain rates.
► Strength of TiB2/Al is higher than that of TiCx/Al, while ductility is lower.
► The strain rate sensitivity of these two composites was compared.