Effect of sintering on microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-TiO2 dispersed Al65Cu20Ti15 amorphous/nanocrystalline matrix composite

Mechanically alloyed Al65Cu20Ti15 amorphous alloy powder with or without 10 wt% nano-TiO2 dispersion was consolidated by isothermal spark plasma sintering in the range 200-500 deg. C with pressure up to 50 MPa. Selected samples were separately cold compacted with 50 MPa pressure and sintered at 500 deg. C using controlled atmosphere resistance and microwave heating furnaces. Phase and microstructural evolution at appropriate stages of mechanical alloying/blending and sintering was monitored by X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Measurement and comparison of relevant properties (density/porosity, microhardness and yield strength) of the sintered compacts suggest that spark plasma sintering is the most appropriate technique for developing nano-TiO2 dispersed amorphous/nanocrystalline Al65Cu20Ti15 matrix composite for structural application