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

The local distribution of preferred orientation and misorientation in TiN w hiskers in TiNw-AlNp/Al composite system is investigated using backscatteri ng electron diffraction combined with a scanning electron microscope. These preliminary results demonstrate the utility of this new automated techniqu e for characterizing local textures in composite materials using backscatte ring electron diffraction. The composite investigated comprises TiN whisker s in a polycrystalline aluminum matrix. The local textures of samples befor e and after deformation were measured. The misorientation distributions sho w a breakdown of the monocrystal of TiN whisker in the deformed composite m aterial relative to the starting material and an increase in small angle mi sorientations.