As strength to density ratio constitutes on important criterion for selection of materials for structural application in aircrafts, age-hardenable Al-alloy continues to find wide-ranging application in aerospace industry. It is predicted that the maximum strength level of these alloys (~ 500-600 MPa) could be more than doubled in nano-intermetallic dispersed amorphous matrix composite instead of age hardenable crystalline alloy. While several studies concerning development of in-situ nano-intermetallic dispersion in amorphous Al-alloys have been reported, further studies are warranted with regards to synthesis and characterization of ex-situ nano-ceramic oxide dispersed amorphous matrix composites, consolidation of the milled product to develop bulk components and carry out mechanical testing to determine the scope and level of improvement in mechanical properties. Thus, the present study is devoted to developing nano-TiO2 dispersed amorphous (partially/completely) Al65Cu20Ti15 alloy by mechanical alloying followed by a detailed microstructural characterization (by SEM, XRD, TEM) and mechanical property evaluation with samples compacted and sintered under special conditions of warm torsional compaction. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry was carried out to determine the transition temperatures and thermodynamic properties of the composite. The result suggests that the present system holds promise for developing a superior Al-based structural material with a novel microstructure. [Partial financial supports from the CSIR, New Delhi project no. 70(0048)/03-EMR-II and DST, New Delhi Indo-Polish project no. INT/POL/P-7/2004 are gratefully acknowledged] |