Fabrication of in situ AlN-TiN/Al inoculant and its refining efficiency and reinforcing effect on pure aluminum

► The plasma jet method can synthesize in situ AlN-TiN/Al inoculants. ► The AlN-TiN/Al inoculants exhibit the better refining effect on pure aluminum. ► AlN-TiN/Al inoculants can improve the mechanical properties of pure aluminum.