Effect of TiB2 particle addition on the mechanical properties of Al/TiB2 in situ formed metal matrix composites

The synthesis of Al/TiB2 metal matrix composite using the in situ technique has been performed in the present study. Two halide salts, namely potassium hexa fluro titanate (K-2 TiF6) and potassium tetra fluro borate (KBF4) were introduced into an Al 6061 melt at 820 degrees C adding different amounts of TiB2 particles, i. e. 4, 6 and 8 wt.-%. The stirring and holding times were maintained for all the casts at 30 minutes. The metal matrix composites were tested with respect to tensile strength and hardness in the as-casted condition. Tensile strength and hardness were found to increase with an increase of TiB2. The size and uniformity of the TiB2 particles in the composites was corroborated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), confirming the presence of TiB2 in the composites.