Structure, Phase Composition, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Aluminum-Based Composites

The structure, phase composition, and basic mechanical and corrosion properties of powder aluminumbased composites obtained by the hot forging (HF) method were studied. The results of studies of the microstructure of synthesized master alloy of different compositions revealed the presence of particles of the strengthening phase of different dispersion and shapes, which are rather evenly distributed in the metal matrix. The method of X-ray phase analysis established the presence of titanium and aluminum carbide, and also a number of lines belonging to titanium aluminides Al₃Ti , Al₅Ti₃ , Al₂Ti , AlTi₃ , Al₅Ti₂ . Aluminium-based composite materials were strengthened with the Al–C–Ti master alloy of various compositions. Studies of the samples obtained after HF show that the microstructure of the composites is characterized by the presence of two phases: the base, and the aluminum matrix, in which the agglomerates of the master alloy are distributed. The composites alloyed with 15 mass% of the master alloy (20Al–64Ti–16C) in the initial charge and obtained by the method of sintering and HF have increased strength characteristics and demonstrate high strength and resistance properties in a 3.5% NaCl solution, regardless of the phase composition of the master alloy.