Analyzing TiC-Reinforced ZA37 Alloy: A Comprehensive Study of Microstructure, Mechanical, and Fracture Properties

The primary objective of this research is to fabricate a ZA37 alloy and its composites by incorporating 5 and 10 weight percent titanium carbide particles. The study comprehensively explores the microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanisms of the test samples. Analysis of the size distribution and morphology of the TiC particles within the matrix reveals that most reinforcement particles have a diameter of 2 μm. The findings reveal an increase in hardness from 131.5 Hv for the ZA37 alloy to 154.5 Hv for the composite with 10 wt% TiC. The incorporation of TiC particles results in an enhancement of tensile strength, increasing from 232 MPa in the base alloy to 281 MPa in the ZA37 + 10wt% TiC composite. The impact strength of the ZA37 alloy increases with increasing TiC content. Fractography analysis indicated a ductile fracture mode in the matrix alloy, and composites generally exhibit a predominantly brittle fracture mode.