Titanium Matrix Composite Reinforced with In-situ Formed TiC Using Carbon Black Nano Particles via a Wet Process

Powder metallurgy (P/M) titanium matrix composite (TMC) reinforced with carbon black particles was produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and the hot extrusion process. Carbon black particles were added for the in –situ formation of TiC dispersoids in the SPS process. Two kinds of titanium (Ti) powders, sponge and fine Ti, were coated with carbon black particles via a wet process using the zwitterionic solution containing carbon black particles. The distribution of the particles on the Ti powder surface before the consolidation process was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphology and distribution of in-situ TiC phases were investigated by optical microscope and SEM equipped with an EDS analyzer. The mechanical properties of extruded pure Ti composites reinforced with in-situ formed TiC particles were evaluated. The mechanical properties of these composites were remarkably improved by adding a small amount of carbon black from 0.07～0.16wt.%. Finally, the fractured surfaces of TMC specimens after the tensile test were observed