In this study an attempt had been made to investigate the effect of in-situ synthesized 10 wt% TiC in the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-12%Si matrix. The microstructures and tensile fracture characteristics of the representative composite samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The investigation revealed that fairly uniform distribution of a mixture of sub micro size and flake/needle shape Titanium Carbide (TiC) particles with some voids in few areas. In addition, Al3Ti and Al4C3 intermetalic phases were observed. As compared to the matrix alloy processed in similar conditions, the 10wt% TiC reinforced composite exhibit a 66.7%, 64.6%, and 37.9% increase in 0.2% proof stress, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and bulk hardness, respectively. On the other hand, the percentage elongation (%EL) and percentage porosity reduced by 24.1% and 37.2%, respectively. However, there is only a slight increase in elastic modulus (E), in values of 11.9%.The fractographic test analysis indicated that the fracture surfaces of both matrix and composite materials demonstrate a brittle fracture characteristics.

Al-Si alloy, Interfacial Reactions, In-situ, Mechanical Properties, MMCs, TiC