The microstructure and formation mechanism of core–shell-like TiAl3/Ti2Al20Ce in melt-spun Al–Ti–B–Re grain refiner

The novel Al–Ti–B–Re nanorefiners have been prepared by melt-spinning. The microstructure observation of the melt-spun Al–Ti–B–Re grain refiner shows that it consists of granular-like TiB2 and core–shell-like TiAl3/Ti2Al20Ce. The formation mechanism and microstructure of core–shell-like TiAl3/Ti2Al20Ce in melt-spun Al–Ti–B–Re grain refiner were investigated systematically in this paper.

► The novel Al–Ti–B–Re nano-refiners have been prepared by melt-spinning.
► The melt-spunAl–Ti–B–Re grain refiner is much finer than that in refiner rod.
► A mathematical model cab be established to determine the conversion rate of Ti2Al20Ce shell.