Effect of SiC Particulates on the Microstructure of Al-6Ti-6Nb Matrix Composites Fabricated by Mechanical Alloying Technique

Millimeter sized SiC (m-SiCp) and nanometer sized SiC (n-SiCp) particulates reinforced Al-6Ti-6Nb matrix composites were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and later hot-press sintering. Their microstructure was investigated to know the influence of the incorporated SiC particles. The secondary Al3Ti, AlNb2 intermetallics particle size, the Al matrix grain size and their submicrostructure are strongly affected, and they are correlated with the thermal stability of the composites.