Strengthening Mechanisms and Tribological Properties of Ultra-Hard AlMgB14 Based Composite Reinforced with TiB2

Abstract

AlMgB14–TiB2 composites with ideal structures are successfully prepared by field activated and pressure assisted synthesis. The effects of different TiB2 contents on the relative hardness and toughness of the composites were investigated. The results showed adding TiB2 could both increase the hardness of AlMgB14 and improve the fracture toughness. The TiB2 contributed more to the hardness than to the toughness. The microstructure analysis shows that the main toughening mechanisms of AlMgB14–TiB2 composites are hard phase dispersion strengthening, high-strength interface bonding and the high elastic modulus of TiB2. Therefore, reducing the particle size of TiB2 to nanoscale is an efficient way to improve the toughness and hardness. The results of friction and wear experiment at room temperature have shown that the addition of TiB2 into AlMgB14 enhances the abrasion–resistant property.