Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-TaC composites prepared by spark plasma sintering process

Aluminum-TaC composites containing 5, 10 and 15 wt% TaC as reinforcement particles were prepared by spark plasma sintering method. A high-energy ball mill was used to mix initial powders. All of the samples were sintered at 450 °C and the measurement results indicated that the maximum relative density, bending strength were achieved with 5 wt% TaC. XRD investigations revealed only aluminum and TaC as identified phases and no additional phase was detected due to the reaction between matrix and reinforcement particles. SEM observations and EDS analyses demonstrated the agglomeration of reinforcement particles in composites containing 10 and 15 wt% TaC, while the uniform distribution of aluminum and TaC particles was found in composite containing 5 wt% reinforcement.