Effects of TiB <sub>2</sub> reinforcement proportion on structure and properties of stir cast A713 composites
Shyam Rangrej, Shaileshkumar Pandya, Jyoti Menghani
Abstract
Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) can be used in applications which require high strength and hardness. Present work aims to explore the influence of titanium diboride (TiB2) addition on the structure properties of A713-TiB2 composites. The composites were fabricated using the stir casting route by varying the weight fractions (0, 2, 4, and 6 wt.%) of TiB2 particles. All composites were cast at the same level of stirring time (10 min) and speed (500 rpm). Microstructural characterisation, microhardness and tensile testing of cast composites have been carried out. It has been observed that composites fabricated with 6 wt.% TiB2 give optimum results. The hardness and tensile strength of A713-6 wt.% TiB2 composite are 35.86% and 21.81% higher than those of A713 alloy. Hardness and tensile strength of the prepared composites were improved as the weight proportion of TiB2 particulates increased due to grain refinement and dispersion strengthening mechanism.