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The Influence of TiB2 Particles on the Artificial Aging Behavior of TiB2/Al–5Cu Composite

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Abstract

This study investigated the artificial aging process of TiB2/Al–5Cu composite, with a focus on the influence of TiB2 particles on the precipitation behavior of the composite. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the microhardness and tensile properties between the TiB2/Al–5Cu composite and the Al–5Cu alloy was conducted. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that the TiB2/Al–5Cu composite consists of TiB2 and Al2Cu phases. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imagery demonstrates a predominantly cellular crystal composition in the composite. Notably, as the aging time progresses, there’s an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease in the gray grain boundaries of the composite. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images uncover the presence of needle-like θ phase, TiB2, and dislocations within the TiB2/Al–5Cu composite. The incorporation of TiB2 particles has emerged as a pivotal factor in significantly curtailing the artificial aging duration. With the peak hardness aging time determined at a mere 8 h, the TiB2/Al–5Cu composite showcases substantially higher hardness levels compared to the Al–5Cu base alloy. Remarkably, the optimum aging time for achieving the best mechanical properties in the composites is reduced from 20 to 8 h. Directly comparing the TiB2/Al–5Cu composite to the Al–5Cu alloy under peak aging conditions, notable enhancements in both yield strength (22%) and tensile strength (41%) are observed. Additionally, a slight increase in elongation is observed in the TiB2/Al–5Cu composite.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude for the financial support from the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52204385) and the Natural Science Special Foundation of Guizhou University (No.202330).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Metallurgical Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China

    Yiwang Jia, Xiaojuan Shang, Zhengcai Liu, Qibin Liu & Renguo Zhang

  2. Guizhou Communications Polytechnic, Guiyang, 551400, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaojuan Shang

  3. Guizhou Huake Aluminum Material Engineering Research Company Ltd, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China

    YunChe, Sanquan Men & Xiang Li

  4. Guizhou Weitegao New Energy Technology Limited Liability Company, Bijie, 553300, People’s Republic of China

    Renguo Zhang

  5. School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University of Engineering Science, Bijie, 551700, People’s Republic of China

    Yongxiang Li

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  1. Yiwang Jia
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Jia, Y., Shang, X., YunChe et al. The Influence of TiB2 Particles on the Artificial Aging Behavior of TiB2/Al–5Cu Composite. Inter Metalcast (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40962-024-01316-6

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