Analysis of the Solidification and Microstructure of Two Aluminium Alloys Reinforced with TiB2 Particles

Two aluminium alloys with 6 wt% TiB2 particles are studied for applications where increased wear resistance and mechanical strength at high temperature are required. The incorporation of hard ceramic particles has a strong influence on the microstructure and properties of the alloys. TiB2 particles play an important role in the nucleation of the different phases of the alloys during solidification, and in the reduction of grain size and porosity. The solidification patterns of Al-Si7Mg0.3+TiB2 (6 wt%) and Al-Cu5MgTi+TiB2 ( 6 wt%) materials are compared to their corresponding non-reinforced alloys, and the microstructures are analyzed.