Microstructure and Phase Evolution Characteristics of the In Situ Synthesis of TiC-Reinforced AZ91D Magnesium Matrix Composites

TiC-reinforced AZ91D magnesium alloy composites were synthesized through the in situ reaction between an AZ91D melt and Ti-C-Al preforms. The microstructural evolution characteristics and phase transformation were investigated at different melt reaction temperatures (1013, 1033, and 1053 K), with the aim of understanding the in situ formation mechanism of TiC particles from thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. The results showed that the temperature played a critical role in determining the formation and morphology of TiC. Initially, only the Al(3)Ti phase was formed through the reaction between Ti and Al when the temperature was 1013 K. With the increase in the melt temperature, the A1(3)Ti’s thermodynamic stability decreased, and dissolution and precipitation reactions occurred at higher temperatures (1033 and 1053 K, respectively), contributing to the formation of TiC particles. The formation of the TiC phase was attributed to two factors: Firstly, A1(3)Ti as an intermediate product reacted with carbon and formed TiC with increasing temperature. Secondly, the in situ TiC reaction was promoted due to the increased reaction-driving force provided by the increasing temperature.