Strengthening Mechanism in TiC- Particle-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composite

The strengthening mechanisms in TiC-particle-reinforced titanium matrix composite has been studied. The experimental results indicate that as the interfacial width is in the range 0. 5μm to 2μm,ni, the interface will play good role of dilivering force. If the particle diameter (d_p) is less than 1μm, the TiC particles will strengthen the material (Orowan mechanism); but big particles (d_p>1μm) will prevent dislocation slipping. The deformative difference between the TiC particles and the matrix produces stress concentration, which obstructs deformation, produces dislocation sources, increases the dislocation density in matrix, and produces a dislocation cell structure which strengthens the matrix. As propagated cracks meet TiC particles, the cracks will change their orientation. The propagation energy increases, resulting in a strengthening of the composites.