Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-TiB2/TiC in situ composites improved via hot rolling

A kind of Al-TiB2/TiC in situ composite with a homogenous microstructure was successfully prepared through in situ reaction of pure Ti and Al-B-C alloy with molten aluminum. In order to improve the distribution of the particles and mechanical properties of the composites, subsequent hot rolling with increasing reduction was carried out. The microstructure evolution of the composites was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the mechanical properties were studied through tensile tests and microhardness measurement. It is found that both the microstructure uniformity and mechanical properties of the composites are significantly improved with increasing rolling reduction. The ultimate tensile strength and microhardness of the composites with 90% rolling reduction reach 185.9 MPa and HV 59.8, respectively, 140% and 35% higher than those of as-cast ones. Furthermore, the strengthening mechanism of the composite was analyzed based on the fracture morphologies.