Abstract:
The aluminum-lithium matrix composites reinforced with different contents of nano-TiC particles were prepared by using master alloy method. The microstructure and corrosion resistance of the composites were studied by using optical microscopy(OM), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), electrochemical corrosion and intergranular corrosion testing. The results show that the addition of nano-TiC particles can not only promote the recrystallization and refinement of grains, but also improve the precipitation of θ’(Al
2Cu) phase and T1(Al
2CuLi) phase of the composite. Compared with that of the aluminum-lithium matrix alloy, the corrosion resistance of the composite is significantly improved. With the increase of the nano-TiC particle content, the self-corrosion potential and the charge transfer resistance of the composite increase, the self-corrosion current density and the intergranular corrosion depth decrease. As a result, the corrosion resistance of the composite gradually improves with the increase of the nano-TiC particles. When the content of the nano-TiC particles increases to 1wt%, the composite has the best corrosion resistance.