Microstructural Observations in a Cast Al-Si-Cu/TiC Composite

A 3-5 vol.% TiC particulate Al-Si-Cu composite was prepared by diluting Al/20 vol.% TiC composite in an Al-7Si-4Cu alloy matrix. TiC particle distribution consists of isolated and clustered particles which are both located at the primary-alpha grain boundaries and at the areas of the last solidified liquid. Particle pushing by the solidification front is responsible for the final particle location. The solidified microstructure consists of primary and intermetallic phases formed by a sequence of possible eutectic reactions. No evidence of TiC particle degradation was observed.