Effect of SiC particulate on the microstructure of Al-6Ti-6Nb matrix composites fabricated by mechanical alloying technique

Millimeter sized SiC (m-SiC_p) and nanometer sized SiC (n-SiC_p) particulate 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 on the microstructure of Al-6Ti-6Nb matrix composites. It is found that the secondary Al₃Ti, AlNb₂ intermetallics particle size, the Al matrix grain size and their sub-grain microstructure are strongly affected, and they are correlated with the thermal stability of the composites.