Synthesis and characterization of Al-4.5% Cu/Al3Ti composites: Microstructure and ageing behaviors

Al-4.5% Cu/Al3Ti composites with the varying amount of in situ Al3Ti were prepared in an induction furnace. The prepared in situ composites were subjected to mechanical stirring at 700 degrees C. After stirring, a change in the microstructure has been observed with the reduction in size of Al3Ti. The composites after stirring have been defined as melt processed composites. The in situ and melt processed composites have been studied for the precipitation hardening behavior. Acceleration in ageing kinetics as well as increase in peak hardness has been observed with the addition of Al3Ti. The time to reach the peak hardness at the ageing temperature of 180 degrees C decreases from 55 to 8 11 when the amount of Al3Ti increases from 0 to 10%. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.