Fabrication of TiC_x-TiB₂/Al Composites for Application as a Heat Sink

Metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles have become the most attractive material in the research and development of new materials for thermal management applications. In this work, 40-60 vol. % TiC_x-TiB₂/Al composites were successfully fabricated by the method of combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in an Al-Ti-B₄C system. The effect of the TiC_x-TiB₂ content on the microstructure and compression properties of the composites was investigated. Moreover, the abrasive wear behavior and thermo-physics properties of the TiC_x-TiB₂/Al composite were studied and compared with the TiC_x/Al composite. The compression properties, abrasive wear behavior and thermo-physics properties of the TiC_x-TiB₂/Al composite are all better than those of the TiC_x/Al composite, which confirms that the TiC_x-TiB₂/Al composite is more appropriate for application as a heat sink.