Research on Effects of TiC Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of A356 Aluminum Alloy

TiC/A356 aluminum alloy with uniform structure was prepared by stirring casting method. The effects of TiC content on the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 aluminum alloy were studied. The results show that with the increase of TiC content, the tensile strength and elongation of TiC/A356 aluminum alloy increase first and then decrease, while the Vickers hardness increases continuously. When the content of TiC is 3wt%, the alloy possesses the optimal comprehensive properties, with the ultimate tensile strength 197.1 MPa, the elongation 9.10%, and the Vickers hardness 84.7HV. Furthermore, the mechanism model of TiC compound reinforced A356 alloy was analyzed.