In situ TiB2 reinforced Al alloy composites

The paper investigates the formation of in situ TiB2 via a chemical reaction among Al, TiO2 and B2O3. Thermodynamic assessment shows the formation of TiB2 through two stages, namely, reduction of Ti and B from their oxides followed by formation of TiB2. 53% and 44% increases in the yield and ultimate tensile stresses of the composite reinforced with 15%TiB2 compared to its unreinforced counterpart have been observed. (C) 2001 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.