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Microscopic characterization of a TiB2-Carbon material composite: Raw materials and composite characterization

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Abstract

Titanium diboride (TiB2) is a very attractive material for the aluminum industry, because it is readily wetted by molten aluminum and combines good physical properties (electrical conductivity), chemical (fairly resistant to dissolution by molten aluminum), and mechanical (wear resistance) properties. In this article, both raw materials (anthracite, pitch, and TiB2 powder) and TiB2-carbon composites (TCC) were characterized. Inclusions of aluminosilicate and iron oxide types were found in the anthracite aggregates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis allowed differentiation between two types of aggregates: stratified (L c=44 nm) and nonstratified (L c=15 nm). The principal impurity found in the TiB2 powder was TiCN and surface analysis of the particles revealed the presence of a contaminant layer composed of C, N, O, and Ti; the thickness of this layer varied from 5 to 15 nm. Characterization of the TiB2 particles in the composite showed important surface modifications compared to their initial state. Evidence seen on the particles’ surfaces showed that a TiC-(Otraces) formed preferentially on the side of the particles rather than on the top surface. The thickness of this TiC-(Otraces) layer was evaluated to 30 nm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Arvida Research and Development Centre, Alcan Inc., G7S 4K8, Jonquiere, PQ

    Martin Dionne (R&D Scientist) & Amir Mirchi (Internal Consultant)

  2. the Centre for Characterization and Microscopy of Materials, Department of Engineering Physics and Materials Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montrea, H3C 3A9, Montreal, PQ, Canada

    Gilles L’Espérance (Professor)

Authors
  1. Martin Dionne
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  2. Amir Mirchi
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  3. Gilles L’Espérance
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Dionne, M., Mirchi, A. & L’Espérance, G. Microscopic characterization of a TiB2-Carbon material composite: Raw materials and composite characterization. Metall Mater Trans A 32, 2649–2656 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-001-0055-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-001-0055-4

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