Microstructure and Properties of TiC Particle-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composites Prepared by Cryomilling Combined with Plasma Activated Sintering

TiC particle-reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMC1) were fabricated by cryomilling combined with plasma activated sintering. The phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and strengthening mechanism of TMC1 sample were studied and compared with the composites (TMC2) prepared by ordinary high energy ball milling combined with plasma activated sintering. The results show that the matrix of TMC1 sample was composed of uniform and fine equiaxial α grains and β transformed phase with TiC particles dispersed evenly. The grain size of TMC1 sample was much smaller than that of TMC2 sample. TMC1 samples sintered at 900-1 200 ℃ were compact, and the compressive strength and hardness decreased with increasing sintering temperature. The relative density, hardness, and strength of TMC1 sample were higher than those of TMC2 sample. The strengthening mechanism of TMC1 sample was particle strengthening mechanism and fine grain strengthening mechanism.