Effect of composition and sintering temperature on mechanical properties of ZrO2 particulate-reinforced titanium-matrix composite

The titanium-based composites were synthesized by powder metallurgy method. The effects of composition and sintering temperature on the microstructure and properties of the titanium-based composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical properties tests. The results demonstrate that adding ZrO2 particles can improve the mechanical properties of powder metallurgy (P/M) titanium-based composites. The Ti composite with 4% (mole fraction) ZrO2 sintered at 1100 °C for 4 h shows an appropriate mechanical property with a relative density of 93.9%, a compressive strength of 1380 MPa (570 MPa higher than pure Ti) and good plasticity (an ultimate strain above 24%).