Microstructure and tensile properties of in situ synthesized nano-sized TiCx/2009Al composites

• The carbon nanotubes were used as C source to synthesize nano-sized TiCx particles.
• The nano-sized TiCx particles obtained have a cleaner interface with the matrix.
• A method was designed for improving the distribution of nano-sized TiCx in the nano-composites.
• We provided a method for preparing composites with high volume fraction and low porosity.

Nano-sized TiCx/2009Al composites with 10–30 vol.% TiCx were fabricated via combustion synthesis combined with vacuum hot pressing followed by hot extrusion. The composites were investigated and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sizes of the synthesized nano-sized TiCx particles increased with increasing TiCx content. After hot extrusion, the nano-sized TiCx particles become more uniformly distributed in the 2009Al matrix. Tensile testing showed that, with increasing TiCx content, the fracture strain (εf) of nano-sized TiCx/2009Al composites decreased at both room temperature and 493 K, while the yield strength (σ0.2) and tensile strength (σb) increased first and then decreased. In contrast to the 2009Al processed by powder metallurgy, the tensile strength of the present 20 vol.% TiCx/2009Al composites increased ∼15.3% at room temperature, and ∼41.3% at 493 K, respectively.

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