Different strain-rate dependent compressive properties and work-hardening capacities of 50 vol% TiCx/Al and TiB2/Al composites

Compression tests of the 50 vol% TiCx/Al and the 50 vol% TiB2/Al composites have been performed in the strain rate range from 1 × 10−4 s−1 to 1 × 10−1 s−1, and the effect of strain rate on the compressive behavior and the work-hardening capacity (Hc) of them have been investigated. The yield strength ( σ true y ) and the Hc of both the composites are strain rate sensitive, while the ductility is insensitive to the strain rate. The ultimate compressive strength ( σ true UCS ) of the TiB2/Al composites is not significantly influenced by the strain rate, while that of the TiCx/Al composite increases from 615 MPa to 826 MPa with the strain rate increasing. Under various strain rates, the σ true UCS of the TiB2/Al composite is significantly better than that of the TiCx/Al composite, while its ductility and Hc are lower than that of the TiCx/Al composite. At the strain rate of 1 × 10−4 s−1, the σ true UCS of the TiB2/Al composite and the TiCx/Al composite are 1071 MPa and 615 MPa, respectively; while the Hc of them are 0.87 and 0.99, respectively.