About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Chemistry and Physics of Interfaces
|
| Presentation Title |
First-Principles Study of Alloying and Vacancy Effects on Al/TiC Interface Processability and Stability |
| Author(s) |
Kaushik Kethamukkala, Lin Li |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Kaushik Kethamukkala |
| Abstract Scope |
The performance of high-volume-fraction metal/ceramic composites, such as Al/TiC, is critically influenced by interfacial bonding. Due to poor inherent wettability between TiC and Al, improving wetting through alloying is essential for achieving strong bonding and effective load transfer. This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the effects of trace alloying elements and carbon vacancies on the interfacial properties of Al/TiC composites. We analyze how vacancies affect the site preference of alloying elements, and evaluate interface energy, work of adhesion, and interfacial brittleness using the Griffith criterion. Special attention is given to the role of electronic structure and Al–alloy hybridization in enhancing interface stability and wettability. Our findings provide fundamental insights into alloying-driven interfacial design, offering guidance for optimizing composite performance and tailoring additive manufacturing routes for improved particle dispersion and mechanical integrity in high-performance Al-based composites. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |