Comparative Study of Al-TiB2 Composite Fabricated by Different Powder Metallurgical Methods

Abstract

Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) are the new class of materials substituting many industrial materials. It is due to its superior qualities compared to conventional materials.  AMMCs has found a versatile application because it has aluminium in matrix phase hence light in weight and also it can acquire different properties as per reinforcements used. Sintering is one of the prominent methods used to manufacture AMMCs. Sintering process is used in Powder Metallurgy in which small powdered particles are heated to bond together. The process enhances the strength as well as other mechanical and tribological properties. The technology enables us to shape materials difficult to machine, parts with complex geometries, materials having high melting point, parts with close dimensional tolerances, or to combine different materials which is not possible with any other process. The most important part is that the density of the product can be controlled according to the requirements and thus self-lubricating and wear-resistant parts are possible.  The present study has attempted to see if TiB2 can be used as reinforcement in AMMCs produced through powder metallurgy route and the changes in the properties of AMMCs by the different sintering methods adopted. The compacted preforms of varying compositions of reinforcement were prepared and sintered through three different methods i.e. Microwave sintering, Conventional sintering and Hot-pressing to study the changes in the properties.  A comparative study has been done between the three sintering methods to see the limitations and scope for improvement.