Effect of TiCnp on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of high-performance Al7150-TiC nanocomposites

Highlights: • Al7150 with various wt% of TiC produced as nanocomposites using two-step stir casting process. • Mechanical, microstructure and fracture surface studies of Al7150-TiC nanocomposites were investigated. • Grain boundaries were analysed, the average grain size of nanocomposites through "Linear Intercept Method" and compared with monolithic. • Addition of 1.0 wt.% of reinforcement showed better mechanical properties. • Mechanical properties were enhanced by 33.3% in tensile strength and 14.7% in micro hardness at 1.0 wt.% as compared to monolithic. • Uniform dispersion and grain refinement were obtained. This research deals with Al7150-TiC nanocomposites and its mechanical, microstructure and fracture surface studies. Two-step stir casting and vortex methods were employed to fabricate Al7150-TiC nanocomposites. TiC was selected as a ceramic reinforcement and added 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% to find the effect of reinforcement on hardness and strength of nanocomposites. Optical Microscope was used to analyse the grain boundaries, the average grain size of nanocomposites through "Linear Intercept Method" and compared with monolithic. SEM was used to study particle distribution and failure surface analysis. ImageJ-software" was used to analyse particle size distribution in the SEM images. EDS was performed to find the chemical compounds of the composite materials. Addition of 1.0 wt% of reinforcement showed better mechanical properties. Uniform dispersion and grain refinement were obtained and mechanical properties were enhanced by 33.3% in tensile strength and 14.7% in micro hardness at 1.0 wt% as compared to monolithic.