Microtextural characterization of as-cast and hot press-deformed TiN whiskers in TiNw-AINp/Al composite

The local distribution of preferred orientation and misorientation in TiN whiskers in TiNw-AINp/A1 composite system is investigated using backscattering electron diffraction combined with a scanning electron microscope. These preliminary results demonstrate the utility of this new automated technique for characterizing local textures in composite materials using backscattering electron diffraction. The composite investigated comprises TiN whiskers in a polycrystalline aluminum matrix. The local textures of samples before and after deformation were measured. The misorientation distributions show a breakdown of the monocrystal of TiN whisker in the deformed composite material relative to the starting material and an increase in small angle misorientations.