Effect of alloy elements on the morphology transformation of TiB2 particles in Al matrix

To reveal the effect of alloy element on the morphology of in situ TiB2 particles, a series of TiB2 particles with various morphology were obtained via controlling synthesis process. Si and Cu can affect the morphology transformation of TiB2 particles significantly. Si preferentially adsorbed on (101¯1), (112¯0) and (12¯13¯) planes resulting in the polyhedron morphology of TiB2. Cu adsorbed on (101¯0) preferentially leading to the minimum aspect (the ratio of the diameter and thickness).