Texture evolution, segregation behavior, and mechanical properties of 2060 Al-Li (aluminium-lithium) composites reinforced by TiC (titanium carbide) nanoparticles.

Particle-reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (PMMCs) of 2060 Al-Li (aluminium-lithium) were prepared with nano-sized TiC (titanium carbide) particles and investigated the physico-chemical behavior of these nanoparticles using the electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and simulations. A model, coupling heat-flow-solute-phase field was established, linking macroscopic and microscopic conditions, which predicts the cooling rate, grain size, discrete phase distribution, and segregation law. The relationship between the TiC nanoparticles and aluminium matrix was evaluated, and (111) TiC was found to be parallel to the (111) Al, with low mismatch and smooth interfacial connections, which, in turn, facilitated efficient nucleation of the aluminium matrix. The grain size of the direct casting samples (DC) is 541.8 μm, and that of the direct casting samples reinforced by nano-particles (TDC) is 41.3 μm, a substantial reduction of 92.4%. Compared to DC, the tensile strength of TDC increased from 516 MPa to 575 MPa, and its elongation increased from 5.6% to 9.9% after T8 treatment. The reinforced nanoparticles were found to be rotation sensitive and reduced the localized large deformation, thus weakening the texture, and reducing the structural anisotropy; the nanoparticles reduced the accumulation of high-concentration solutes in the liquid phase, and also reduced the segregation gradient. The relatively simple preparation process makes it suitable for large-scale industrial production of PMMCs Al-Li alloys. [Display omitted] • Composites of TiC and 2060 Al-Li were prepared, and both the tensile strength and ductility after T8 treatment significantly improved, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production of Al-Li alloys. • The relationship of the interface between TiC and aluminium matrix was observed and analyzed in detail. • A model, coupling heat-flow-solute-phase field was established, that allowed analysis of the segregation behavior under the influence of PMMCs in both simulation and experimental dimensions. • The fine structure of PMMCs had a higher rotational sensitivity during deformation, which made the deformation uniform, weakened the texture, and delayed the development of hard orientation, thus weakening the anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]