Synthesis,consolidation and modelling study of AA2014-TiB2 composite prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) method

This Aluminum alloy matrix composite reinforced with TiB<inf>2</inf> particulates with different volume % of TiB<inf>2</inf> (5, 10 and 15) has been successfully synthesized by P/M route. The composite powders were consolidated by cold uniaxial compaction pressure followed by sintering at 590˚C in nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of reinforcement on the densification was studied and reported in terms of the relative density, densification parameter, tensile rupture strength and Vickers hardness of the composite. The above physical and mechanical properties increase with compaction pressure irrespective of TiB<inf>2</inf> content. Scheil cooling and equilibrium calculations were performed using FactSage for qualitative understanding of the microstructural evolution during sintering. The experimental results showed that samples with 5 volume % TiB<inf>2</inf> exhibits optimum densities after sintering and correspondingly highest hardness.