In situ TiC ceramic particles locally reinforced Al-Si matrix composites prepared by shs-casting method from the Al-Si-Ti-C system

Using Al-Si-Ti-C powder mixtures, TiC grains locally reinforced Al-Si matrix composites were produced through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and casting method. The formation of TiC could be ascribed to the dissolution-reaction-precipitation mechanism. The TiC grains were uniformly distributed in the locally reinforced regions of the Al-Si matrix. With increasing Al-Si content, the size of TiC grains decreased. No pores and cracks were present at the interface between the Al-Si matrix and the reinforced regions. Wear resistance of the locally reinforced regions is significantly improved compared with that of the Al-Si matrix.