Effect of alloy elements on the morphology transformation of TiB2 particles in Al matrix

To reveal the effect of alloy element on the morphology of in situ TiB2 particles, a series of TiB2 particles with various morphology were obtained via controlling synthesis process. Si and Cu can affect the morphology transformation of TiB2 particles significantly. Si preferentially adsorbed on (1 0 (1) over bar 1), (1 1 (2) over bar 0) and (1 (2) over bar 1 (3) over bar) planes resulting in the polyhedron morphology of TiB2. Cu adsorbed on (1 0 (1) over bar 0) preferentially leading to the minimum aspect (the ratio of the diameter and thickness). (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.