Characterization of Ti4Al4Mo/SiC composite produced by pressure-assisted sintering

In this study, a SiC-reinforced Ti4Al4Mo alloy matrix composite was designed, and produced by pressure-assisted sintering technique. Ti-4Al-4Mo (wt%) alloy was prepared from elemental powders, and different fractions of SiC (1, 5 and 10 wt%) ceramic reinforcements were homogenously distributed in the matrix by mechanical mixing and the mixtures were consolidated under 45 MPa pressure and sintered at 950°C for 10 min. Microstructure of Ti alloy matrix was studied and correlated with the CALPHAD approach. Results showed that 10 wt% SiC content caused an agglomeration of reinforcement particles and affected the properties negatively. However, hardness of the composites increased with increase in SiC content, and excellent wear properties were obtained at 1 and 5 wt% SiC content. Further increase in SiC content lead to a decrease in bending and wear properties. This study provides a new Ti4Al4Mo metal–matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles.