CeO2 induced dispersive distribution of TiB2 particles in in situ TiB2/Al composite. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, J.; Han, Y. F.; Lei, J. B.; Wang, J.; Sun, B. D.
• Is Part Of: Materials science and technology. Volume 30:Number 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 871
• Page End: 875
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: Materials science -- Periodicals; Microstructure -- Periodicals; Metallurgy -- Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1179/1743284713Y.0000000440
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-0836

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The roles of CeO₂ additive during preparation of <italic>in situ</italic> TiB₂/Al composite, alleviating particle settlement in composite melt and significantly improving particle dispersion in final microstructure, are studied in this paper. It is evidenced that the CeO₂ additive reacts with Al melts to release Ce solute into the melts, and the released surface active Ce is absorbed in the Al/TiB₂ interfaces without any other reaction products. First principles calculations show that the interfacial energy of Al/TiB₂ interfaces is reduced owing to the presence of Ce in Al/TiB₂ interfacial area. Therefore, the wettability of molten Al on TiB₂ surface is increased and the dispersion of TiB₂ particles in Al matrix is eventually improved.</p> </abstract>