Development of Al 6063-TiB2 in situ composites

In situ TiB2 reinforced Al 6063 composites have been successfully synthesized through the chemical reaction between Al-10%Ti and Al-3%B master alloys in the Al 6063 alloy using liquid metallurgy route. The amount of TiB2 formed in the composite is estimated using gravimetric analysis. Mechanical properties in terms of microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity have been improved by 21%. 47% and 65% respectively in comparison with matrix alloy. Further, ductility in terms of percentage elongation of the composites was found to increase by about 368% when compared with the matrix alloy. The improvement in ductility may be associated with the grain refinement of the composite with an increase in the content of Al-3%B master alloy. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.