Formation of Al-Ti-B phases for grain refinement of Al alloys produced by high energy ball milling

Abstract

In this experimental study, Al-Ti-B powders were ground in planetary ball mill to produce AlxTiyBz where x, y and z stands for the relative molar ratios of elements for the compilation of grain refiner compound. Powder size distribution, phase formation (XRD) and particle morphology was investigated by means of SEM and XRD. The fabrication of AlTiB phases and the grain refinement of Al alloys by adding this phase were aimed. For this purpose, the powders were fed to planetary ball mill to be milled at a speed of 600 rpm. The powders were also milled at different milling times as 30 min and 150 min either in metallic form or compound form of Al, Ti and B powders. The powders were dried after each milling to be characterized by SEM and XRD. The phases and morphology-elemental analysis were also conducted by XRD and SEM, respectively. Moreover, the powders were added to Al alloy castings avoiding the breaking through alloy series which are mainly used in aluminum industry. The Al alloy series were examined for grain refinement by Brinell hardness and optical microscopy for mechanical properties and grain formation as well as by SEM (EDS) for grain formation, morphology and elemental distribution analysis. © 2017 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.