Effects of nanosized TiC and TiB2 particles on the corrosion behavior of Al-Mg-Si alloy

Nanosized TiC and TiB2 particles (TiCp, TiB2p) can increase the mechanical properties of Al alloys. However, their effects on the corrosion performance of Al alloys are relatively less understood. The corrosion behavior of Al-Mg-Si alloys is improved by adding TiCp and worsened by adding TiB2p. These changes result from i. TiCp refining the grain structure by acting as nucleants and reducing the number of grain boundary phases and ii. TiB2p segregating at grain boundaries and accelerating the corrosion. This provides a selection criterion that can be utilized for reinforcement nanoparticles for wrought Al alloys that are applied in corrosive environments.