Fabrication and characterization of TiB2-reinforced functionally graded aluminum matrix material

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the production and abrasive wear rate of functionally graded TiB2/Al composites. TiB2 particles have been spontaneously formed in liquid matrix using in situ technique. The properties of composites such as hardness, abrasive wear rate and microstructure have been examined. Design/methodology/approach In situ TiB2 reinforcement phase was synthesized by using a liquid Al-Ti-B system. A semi-solid composite (Al-(l)-TiB2(s)) prepared at 900 degrees C was solidified under a centrifugal force to both grade functionally and give the final shape to materials. Abrasive wear test of materials was conducted using the pin-on-disk method at room temperature. The wear tests were carried out with two different loads of 1 Newton (N) and 2 N, a sliding velocity of 3.5 m s(-1) and a sliding distance of 75 m. Findings This research provided the following findings; TiB2 particles can be successfully synthesized with in situ reaction technique in molten aluminum. It was determined that abrasive wear rate increases with increasing load and decreases with increasing TiB2 reinforcement content within matrix. Originality/value In previous studies, there have been many trials on the in situ production of TiB2-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. However, there are few studies on production of in situ TiB2-reinforced aluminum matrix functionally graded materials. At the same time, there is no study that the properties of composite, such as hardness and abrasive wear rate, are examined together according to centrifugal force. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: