Titanium Diboride Nanoparticles Research Articles

Impact resistance of aramid honeycomb tandem sandwich composites reinforced with TiB2

A novel composite tandem sandwich structure made of aramid fabric and aramid honeycomb, impregnated in a matrix of epoxy resin combined with poly (vinyl butyral), PVB, is proposed. The composite was additionally reinforced with a small concentration of titanium diboride nanoparticles, TiB2, to study its effect on impact resistance. Sandwich composite samples were fabricated by impregnating the aramid fabrics and honeycomb in subsequent layers with the system epoxy/PVB/TiB2. Their mechanical behavior was examined through three-point bending test, Charpy impact test, and compressive test. The chemical reaction between PVB and epoxy resin, and chemical inertness between the nanoparticles and the other constituents were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The flexural strength and stiffness increased by 27.6% and 62.5%, respectively, in the presence of TiB2 reinforcement. Impact tests showed increase of 104% in impact toughness in the case of samples with TiB2. Nano TiB2 did not increase compressive strength of the proposed sandwich structure, but it improved its stiffness and reduced the permanent deformation. The achieved improvements in mechanical resistance make this new composite structure a promising candidate for automotive, airspace, naval, civil engineering, sports equipment industry, and for use in defense technologies.

Impact of TiB2 Particles on Improving rocessing Parameters of TiB2/Al Metal Matrix Composites

TiB2/Al MMCs, which are composite materials consisting of TiB2 particles embedded in an aluminium matrix, exhibit unique properties that make them very favourable for manufacturing highperformance aircraft blades. Nevertheless, the machinability of TiB2/Al MMCs continues to be a hurdle owing to the impact of TiB2 particles, hence restricting the extensive use of these materials. This research effectively examined the influence of TiB2 particles on processing parameters for TiB2/Al MMCs in order to meet manufacturing requirements. In addition, the research sought to determine the most favourable processing settings for these metal matrix composites, taking into account many considerations. The end-process variables, namely surface roughness and material removal rate (MRR), were assessed after the determination of the most favourable cutting velocity, feed rate, and depth of cut. The findings demonstrate substantial deviations from the strengthening of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) using titanium diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles. These results provide vital insights for enhancing the machining process of this material.

Evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of Aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with titanium diboride and graphite

The purpose of this research is to assess mechanical and tribological behavior of Aluminum matrix nanocomposites reinforced with varying weight percentage of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% titanium diboride (TiB2) nano particles and 6% graphite (Gr) nanoparticles through electromagnetic stir casting process. Microstructure analysis were examined using Optical microstructure, Scanning Electron Microstructure, Energy Dispersive Spectrum and phases of reinforced particles in the Aluminium alloy were identified using X-ray diffraction. Mechanical and tribological testing were conducted. Regarding mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, compression strength, and wear resistance of all reinforced composite specimens presented enhanced properties than the unreinforced matrix. It was found that the enhanced mechanical properties and wear behavior of the tested specimens of aluminium hybrid nanocomposites has been achieved due to presence of strengthening of hard ceramic nanoparticles of TiB2 in the matrix.

The electrophoretic deposition of TiB2 nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation: Case study on microstructural features and micromorphology properties.

In the last decade, laser Ablation technique (Nd:YAG) has been considered as a perfect method for producing nanostructures with high purity. In the present study, Titanium diboride nanoparticles (TiB2 NPs) have been deposited on Aluminum (Al) and their micromorphology and microstructural properties have been investigated. The synthesis of TiB2 NPs has been carried out by the Laser Ablation technique (Nd:YAG) which has not been reported so far. Moreover, the effects of laser energy on improving the synthesis of TiB2 NPs have been examined. In this regard, five samples of TiB2 NPs were prepared by Laser Ablation method in different values of laser fluency in the range of 0.4-1.2J/cm2 . The structural properties of prepared nanoparticles were detected by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The morphology of samples was also investigated by field effect scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate the formation of spherical nanoparticles in all samples. Based on the results of the GIXRD patterns, pulsed laser energy is an effective parameter for the size of ablated nanoparticles. As can be seen, increasing the energy of laser beam decreases the average size of nanoparticles from 79.41 to 4nm. As the next step, the as-prepared nanoparticles were deposited on Aluminum substrate with electrophoretic deposition technique at constant applied voltage (30 Volt) and constant deposition time (30 min). The X-ray diffraction pattern of TiB2 NPs deposited onto Al substrate confirmed the formation of the TiB2 thin films on all Al substrates. Also, the roughness and average particle size of deposited films were measured by atomic force microscopy images and MountainsMap® Premium software. Increasing the fluency of laser beam made the surface more irregular and the maximum value of fractal dimension and hence, the most irregular topography has been observed in the sample produced by maximum laser fluency. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Titanium diboride nanoparticles have been synthesized by the laser ablation technique. The effects of laser energy on improving the synthesis of TiB2 NPs have been investigated. The micromorphology of samples have been investigated by analyzing AFM and SEM images.

Analysis of Spectroscopic, Morphological Characterization and Interaction of Dye Molecules for the Surface Modification of TiB2 Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of titanium diboride (TiB2) coated with a conductive polymer and subjected to an oxidizing agent was carried out in this research. TiB2 nanoparticles coated with polypyrrole (PPy) were studied using XRD and TEM techniques. Nitrogen adsorption and desorption properties of nanoparticles are covered with modified polypyrrole to understand better the surface zone, structural features, and pore geometries of the nanoparticles. The water‐based hazardous anionic Congo red (CR) dye was removed using polypyrrole‐coated titanium diboride (PPy@TiB2) nanoparticles. Numerous cutting‐edge experimental techniques, including FTIR, FE‐SEM, EDXS, and element mapping analysis, were used to confirm the CR color’s adhesion to the PPy@TiB2 nanoadsorbent study. While conducting batch experiments, coated TiB2 nanoadsorbents with polypyrrole enhanced the adsorption behaviour. One of the factors evaluated in the adsorption tests was pH; another was contact time, and a third was dose. At pH = 4, 98.75% of Congo red dye was detached using 60 mg of PPy‐coated TiB2 nanoadsorbent. Several sorption‐desorption cycles were performed on this nanoadsorbent to determine its reusability. An excellent adsorption capacity for water treatment is reported in PPy‐coated TiB2 nanoadsorbent.

High-performance titanium-based composite strengthened with in-situ network-distributed 3D reinforcements

Ti-based composite with in-situ 3D nano-reinforcements consisted of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), titanium boride (TiB) nanowires and titanium diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles was prepared in a facile way—blending spherical Ti powder and BNNSs via low-energy ball milling and then consolidating the composite powder by spark plasma sintering. It has an excellent combination of strength and ductility: the composite with 0.5 vol% BNNSs exhibits high tensile strength of around 715.1 MPa and excellent toughness of 115.2 MJ/m3, which is 73.4% higher and 16.6% lower than those of pure Ti, respectively. The strength enhancement is mainly attributed to the interlocking structure formed by TiB2 nanoparticles and BNNSs, which increases the dislocation density and doubles the theoretical interfacial shear strength limit. The considerable ductility arises from the crack blocking brought by the 3D network.

Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Titanium Diboride Nanoparticles

The products of reaction between TiCl4 and NaBH4 in NaCl/KCl or KBr ionic melts at 973 and 1023 K under an argon pressure of 5 MPa have been characterized by various physicochemical analysis techniques. The results demonstrate that these conditions lead to the formation of TiB2 nanoparticles with hexagonal symmetry (sp. gr. P6/mmm, AlB2 structure) and lattice parameters a = 0.3022–0.3025 nm and с = 0.3214–0.3221 nm. The average diameters of the TiB2 nanoparticles evaluated from electron microscopy, specific surface area, and X-ray diffraction (crystallite size) data for the two synthesis temperatures are ~10 and ~15, ~12 and ~17, and ~5 and ~10 nm, respectively.

High as-cast strength die-cast AlSi9Cu2Mg alloy prepared by nanoparticle strengthening with industrially acceptable ductility

High as-cast strength die-cast AlSi9Cu2Mg alloy was achieved with industrially acceptable ductility, via the addition of titanium diboride nanoparticles. The main intermetallic compounds in the die-cast AlSi9Cu2Mg alloy were identified as θ–Al2Cu and Q–Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 phases. The Fe-rich compound formed in the present die-cast alloy with a high Mn/Fe ratio of 3:1 was determined as the BCC structured α–Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 phase with a lattice parameter of a = 1.2702 nm, and the Fe-rich compound had highly faceted morphology with {110} surface termination. The Al matrix phase in the die-cast AlSi9Cu2Mg alloy was refined by ∼65% from 18.1 μm to 6.4 μm, after adding 3.0 wt% titanium diboride nanoparticles. The titanium diboride nanoparticles in the alloy showed coherent interface with the Al matrix, with the (11-1) lattice face of Al parallel to the (0001) lattice face of titanium diboride. The as-cast AlSi9Cu2Mg alloy containing 3.0 wt% titanium diboride nanoparticles exhibited the high yield strength of 233 ± 3 MPa and the tensile strength of 398 ± 7 MPa, as well as the industrially acceptable elongation of 4.8 ± 0.7%, and it showed at least 23% improvement in the as-cast yield strength over the existing die-cast Al alloys. The strengthening by nanoparticle and coherent interface (∼32 MPa) was higher than that by the refining of Al matrix (∼10 MPa). The addition of titanium diboride nanoparticles also affected the fracture of the die-cast AlSi9Cu2Mg alloy, and cracks were prone to form in the Q and Fe-rich compounds, after the addition of titanium diboride nanoparticles.

Synthesis of Titanium Diboride Nanoparticles via the Reaction of TiCl4 with NaBH4 in NaCl‒KCl Ionic Melt

Titanium diboride nanoparticles with diameter of 5–7 nm have been synthesized via the reaction of TiCl4 with NaBH4 in a NaCl‒KCl ionic melt in an autoclave reactor.

Optimization of the TiB2 plasma dynamic synthesis

Titanium Diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles were obtained by plasma dynamic synthesis in a hypersonic plasma jet. The aim of the work was to optimize synthesis of TiB2 nanoparticles. Firstly, three series of experiments with different ways of a discharge initiation were implemented: 1) using titanium conductors; 2) using carbon fibers; 3) using graphite aerosol (graphitization). Secondly, experiments with different atmosphere gas, which filled the volume of the reactor chamber – Ar and N2 were implemented. Thirdly, there were experiments with different mass ratio of Ti:B precursors using graphitization (26.7:73.3; 45.5:54.5; 61.1:38.9; 86.4:13.6). And finally experiments with 16.9 kJ released energy were implemented. The results showed, that the best of way of initiation an arc discharge is graphitization using Ar with mass ratio Ti:B 26.7:73.3 and input energy − 33.9 kJ. The yield of TiB2 was 93.2% with the smallest particles 56.1 nm.

Fabrication of High Strength Al Nanocomposites with Populous TiB2 Nanoparticles

High performance lightweight metals offer tremendous potential to improve energy efficiency and system performance for numerous applications. Traditional manufacturing processes such as thermomechanical processing and deformation have reached their limits in further improving the properties of metals. Thus, a new approach is necessary to develop high performance lightweight metals which can offer promising properties. Metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) is an excellent approach to produce lightweight metals with improved properties that cannot be achieved by traditional manufacturing. Effective incorporation of a suitable nanoparticles system in a metallic matrix such as aluminum (Al) can improve the performance of the matrix. However, due to the high chemical reactivity and poor wettability of Al with nanoparticles, achieving high volume fraction of nanoparticles incorporation is of a great challenge. Here we show a novel approach to incorporate high volume fraction of titanium diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles in Al matrix. Al-TiB2 nanocomposite microparticles were initially produced via flux assisted solidification processes. Al-TiB2 nanocomposites were produced by cold compaction followed by melting. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images revealed that the TiB2 nanoparticles are unfirmly dispersed and distributed in Al matrix. Al-TiB2 nanocomposites with as high as 485.9±16.9 Vickers hardness were successfully produced. Furthermore, the effect of melting time was studied on the hardness of the Al-TiB2 nanocomposites.

Manufacturing of Al-TiB2 Nanocomposites by Flux-Assisted Liquid State Processing

Aluminum matrix nanocomposite (AMNC) materials are of great interests for various structural and functional applications for automotive, aerospace, and military. In this study pure aluminum (Al) with one and two volume percent (vol.%) of titanium diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles were produced via flux-assisted liquid state processing. Adding flux during nanoparticle feeding can significantly improve nanoparticle incorporation into molten Al. TiB2 nanoparticles as small as 100 nm were successfully incorporated into pure Al using potassium aluminum fluoride (KAlF4) flux. TiB2 nanoparticles were fairly distributed and dispersed in the Al-2 vol.% TiB2 nanocomposite. Vickers hardness of the Al-2 vol.% TiB2 nanocomposite was higher than the as-received pure Al. While KAlF4 flux is proven to enhance the nanoparticle incorporation efficiency in Al system, further study is needed to thoroughly remove the flux remnant from Al matrix, to enhance the effect of the TiB2 nanoparticle reinforcement.

Synthesis and sintering of TiB2 nanoparticles

Titanium diboride nanoparticles were prepared from TTIP and boron oxide using a sol-gel method followed by mechano-chemical reduction in the presence of aluminum. Optimum weight ratio of B2O3:TTIP:2-propanol was 1:3:60. The XRD results revealed that mechano-chemical reduction of the zerogel by aluminum had led to the formation of TiB2 and Al2O3 phases after 15hours of milling. The XRD results confirmed complete removal of Al2O3 via leaching the milled sample in 10M NaOH at 150°C. SEM and TEM studies showed that the mean particle size of the synthesized TiB2 is less than 30nm. The densification experiments were carried out using hot pressing and pressureless sintering. The binderless densification of monolithic TiB2 up to 92% theoretical density was achieved by hot pressing at 1700°C for 2h in vacuum. The hot pressed TiB2 exhibits high Vickers hardness (25.9GPa) and relative high fracture toughness (5.7MPa.m1/2). In the pressureless sintering route, a maximum density of 82.3% ρth is achieved after sintering at 1900°C for 2h in vacuum.

Fracture toughness determination and microstructure investigation of a B4C–NanoTiB2 composite with various volume percent of Fe and Ni additives

Boron carbide (B4C) has wide application in manufacturing of abrasives and cutting tools, due to its unique features such as high hardness, good wear resistance, low specific weight and chemical stability. An additive reinforcing phase and sintering aids are used to improve its sinterability. In the present paper, a B4C composite with 10vol.% of titanium diboride nanoparticles (TiB2) and a 0, 1.5 and 2.5vol.% iron or nickel metallic additive, respectively, was mixed in an isopropanol environment containing tungsten carbide pellets. After drying, the obtained mixture was formed by cold pressing. The obtained parts were sintered at 2400°C. The effect of adding metallic sintering aids on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the composite was investigated and fracture toughness values were evaluated by indentation test method. Addition of Fe and Ni improved values for density, hardness, Young’s modulus and fracture toughness, with Ni addition increasing the values considerably. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the microstructure of the specimens showed the arrangement posture of the additives and confirmed the results obtained. Additionally, the FeB and Ni3B blades formation were observed from the images.

Obtaining metal-based composites with hardening by titanium diboride nanoparticles

The mechanism of obtaining high-strength mesocomposite materials with a cellular microstructure is studied. It is shown that the formation of the mesocomposite microstructure is determined by the method of pressing characterized by high strains and strain rates, and also by the mesocomposite composition; the high-plasticity matrix and nondeformable particles of the hardening phase, which are not bonded to the mesocomposite matrix, assist in the process of self-organization, i.e., formation of a cellular microstructure. The set of mesocomposite properties is studied to understand the general laws of mesocomposite formation and optimize the composition. A composite with an optimal composition is obtained, which retains high electrical conductivity of copper and sufficiently high plasticity necessary for its effective application; its strength is greater than the base strength by an order of magnitude; moreover, its strength and wear resistance are much higher than those of dispersion-hardened alloys obtained by the method of internal oxidation. The results obtained can be used for creating new composite materials.

Effect of KCl, NaCl and CaCl 2 mixture on volume combustion synthesis of TiB 2 nanoparticles

Preparation of titanium diboride (TiB 2) nanoparticles was carried out by volume combustion synthesis. TiO 2, B 2O 3 and elemental Mg were mixed with 0–60% salt mixture of KCl, NaCl and CaCl 2 with increment of 15% as a low melting temperature diluent. Compressed samples were synthesized in a tubular furnace at a constant heating rate under argon atmosphere. Thermal analysis of the process showed that the addition of the low melting temperature salts mixture led to a significant decrease in ignition and combustion temperatures. Synthesized samples were then leached by nitric and hydrochloric acids to remove impurities. The samples were examined by XRD, SEM and DLS analysis. The results showed the formation of fine deagglomerated particles with the addition of the salts mixture. The results revealed that 45% salts mixture had the smallest average particle size of about 90 nm.

Preparation of TiB<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticles Reinforced Cu-Matrix Composite by Direct Combustion Synthesis

Titanium diboride nanoparticles reinforced copper matrix composite by combustion synthesis technology from titanium, boron and copper powders without other activated methods. Thermodynamics of the system was calculated theoretically. It was found that TiB2 was stable phase in the composite and TiCu interphase compound can convert into stable phase. The phases of the synthesized product were identified using X-ray diffraction and the results showed that only TiB2 and Cu phases, no other phases existed in the product. It is consistent with the calculated result of thermodynamics. SEM microstructural characterization showed that a homogenous distribution of the titanium diboride nanoparticles in the copper matrix.

Preparation and electrical erosion resistance of TiB2/Cu nanocomposites

A procedure is described for producing nanocomposite TiB2/Cu powders containing up to 57 vol % TiB2. Using shock compression of composite powders, we have prepared electrode materials offering enhanced electrical erosion resistance at high arc discharge currents. The effect of titanium diboride nanoparticles embedded in the copper matrix on the erosion behavior of the nanocomposites is examined. The nanoparticles are shown to suppress the copper droplet entrainment during the service of the electrode. TiB2/Cu nanocomposite electrodes containing more than 10 vol % TiB2 retain their shape and dimensions in the course of electrical erosion tests and offer enhanced service life.

Microstructure changes in TiB2-Cu nanocomposite under sintering

Stability and growth of nanoparticulate reinforcements in metal matrix composites during heating are widely studied for dispersion-strengthened alloys, which contain several volume percent of reinforcing phase. When high volume content of nanoparticles distributed within a matrix is concerned results of particles aggregation and growth as well as crystallization mechanisms are not so evident. In this work microstructural evolution under sintering in metal-matrix composite TiB2-Cu with high volume content (up to 57%) of titanium diboride nanoparticles 30-50 nm in size was investigated. The nanocomposite powders were produced through synthetic method combining preliminary mechanical treatment of initial powder mixtures in high-energy ball mill, self-propagating exothermic reaction and subsequent mechanical treatment of the product. We focused on microstructure changes in TiB2-Cu nanocomposite consolidated by Spark-Plasma Sintering and conventional sintering and showed that in the former case fine-grained skeleton of titanium diboride is formed with connectivity between particles well established. In the latter case behavior of nanoparticles is surprising: at low temperatures fiber-like structures are formed while increasing temperature causes appearance of faceted crystals. These unusual results allow us to propose the direct involvement of nanoparticles in the processes of crystallization by moving as a whole in the matrix.

In-situ Synthesis of Cu-TiB2Nanocomposite by MA/SPS

Nano-sized <TEX>$TiB_2$</TEX> was in situ synthesized in copper matrix through self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) with high-energy ball milled Ti-B-Cu elemental mixtures as powder precursors. The size of <TEX>$TiB_2$</TEX> particles in the product of SHS reaction decreases with time of preliminary mechanical treatment ranging from 1 in untreated mixture to 0.1 in mixtures milled for 3 min. Subsequent mechanical treatment of the product of SHS reaction allowed the <TEX>$TiB_2$</TEX> particles to be reduced down to 30-50 nm. Microstructural change of <TEX>$TiB_2$</TEX>-Cu nanocomposite during spark plasma sintering (SPS) was also investigated. Under simultaneous action of pressure, temperature and electric current, titanium diboride nanoparticles distributed in copper matrix move, agglomerate and form a interpenetrating phase composite with a fine-grained skeleton.