Strengthening Al-Bi-TiC0.7N0.3 nanocomposites by Cu addition and grain refinement

Thermally stable nanoparticles are used to control Bi phase growth in immiscible Al-Bi alloy during solidification, producing Al-20Bi-TiC0.7N0.3 nanocomposites with homogeneously distributed Bi phases. Cu element and Al-5Ti-1B grain refiner were added to further strengthen the nanocomposite. Significant microhardness enhancement was achieved without deteriorating the distribution of Bi phase. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.