The study of the effect of heat treatment on the properties of the AMg2–10%TiC and AMg6–10%TiC composite materials produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

Dispersion-strengthened composite materials belong to the group of promising structural materials characterised by a diverse combination of properties. The paper considers examples of the creation and heat treatment of composite materials based on aluminium alloys strengthened by the titanium carbide dispersed phase characterised by high hardness, elastic modulus, and good melt wettability. At present, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is the most accessible, inexpensive and effective way to obtain them. The authors substantiate the expediency and show their successful experience of the formation in the composition of the AMg2 and AMg6 industrial alloys of a titanium carbide dispersed phase with a particle size of 130 nm in an amount of up to 10 wt. % using the SHS method, which makes it possible to increase the hardness of the alloys. Additional heating of the AMg2–10%TiC and AMg6–10%TiC samples after synthesis also contributes to the further increase in hardness. The complex of studies of physical, mechanical and operational characteristics presented in the paper was carried out to compare the properties of the work-hardened matrix alloys and the samples of composite materials before and after heating. The test results showed that heat treatment reduces the porosity of the composites and significantly increases their hardness and microhardness. A slight decrease in compressive strength at a significant increase in wear resistance is observed. It was found that composite materials are characterised by high corrosion resistance to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide corrosion corresponding to the level of matrix alloys. The results obtained allow recommending the developed materials for the production of parts of the connecting rod and piston group, bearings and other wear-resistant parts of friction units.