Abstract:
Al
3Ti/A356 composites were prepared through melt stirring in-situ reaction method by adding K
2TiF
6 salt into the melt of A356 aluminum alloy. The effects of Al
3Ti content on microstructure and tensile properties of as-cast A356 aluminum alloy at room temperature and high temperature were studied. The results showed that the as-cast microstructure of the Al
3Ti/A356 composites mainly consists of α-Al, eutectic Si, and (Al, Si)
3Ti phases. With the increase of the K
2TiF
6 salt addition amount, the (Al, Si)
3Ti phase gradually increased, and its shape changes from large block and rod-like to small block. Meanwhile, the refining effect of eutectic Si in the matrix was more significant. In composites that produce different Al
3Ti, the room temperature tensile strength and yield strength of 2wt%Al
3Ti/A356 composites are the highest, which were 179.7 MPa and 74.1 MPa, respectively. At 350℃, the tensile strength and yield strength of 6wt%Al
3Ti/A356 composite are 22.1% and 12.6% higher than that of A356 aluminum alloy, reaching 66.3 MPa and 57.9 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength of the composite reaches or exceeds that of some Al-Si alloys used for the automotive piston in service. It shows that Al
3Ti/A356 composite material has the potential to be used as a new heat resistant aluminum alloy in automobile engine.