Fabrication of high wear resistant Al/Al₃Ti metal matrix composite by in situ hot press method

In this study, hot press method has been used to fabricate Al/Al₃Ti composite. In situ reacted Al₃Ti compound is formed through Al and TiO₂ powder blend in order to enhance mechanical properties and mainly wear resistance. After homogeneous blending of Al and TiO₂, hot pressing was performed at 580 °C at different durations and pressures. Scanning electron microscopy was used for microstructural survey. Density measurements using Archmede's method and Brinell hardness test were carried out for all the samples. By increasing the hot pressing pressure, both density and hardness increased significantly. On the other hand, by increasing the time, hardness increased and density decreased due to the formation of Al₃Ti. Samples produced at higher pressures and longer durations had higher wear resistance at longer wear distances. The three observed dominant types of wear mechanisms were abrasive, delamination, and adhesive.