Microstructure and mechanical properties of (B4C+Al3Ti)/Al hybrid composites fabricated by a two-step stir casting process

A novel (B4C+Al3Ti)/Al hybrid composite, fabricated by a two-step stir casting process of sequentially adding Ti powders and B4C particles followed by gravity solidification, shows less interfacial reaction compounds and more uniform particle distribution than the Al3Ti-free composite. The hardness, tensile strength and elongation were 52HB, 129 MPa and 13.6%, respectively.