The nano-sized TiC particle reinforced Al–Cu matrix composite with superior tensile ductility

The high mechanical properties of the TiC particle reinforced Al–Cu matrix composites are highly desirable for a wide range of critical applications. However, a long-standing problem for these composites is that they suffer from low ductility and limited formability. Here we fabricated the nano-sized TiC particle reinforced Al–Cu matrix composites by dispersing the nano-sized TiC particles into molten Al–Cu alloy. The tensile strength and ductility were significantly improved with the addition of the nano-sized TiC particles. The tensile strength and elongation of the 0.5 wt% nano-sized TiC particle reinforce Al–Cu matrix composite can reach to 540 MPa and 19.0%, increased by 11.08% and 187.9% respectively, than those of the Al–Cu matrix alloy (485 MPa and 6.6%).