The effect of V on the morphology of TiB2 particles in as-cast aluminum composites

Abstract This study presents the modification effect of trace vanadium on the in-situ formed TiB 2 particles in as-cast aluminum composites. With 0.2 wt.% V addition the morphology of TiB 2 was modified from hexagonal platelet or irregular feather-like shape to hexagonal prism or rectangular prism with parallel growth steps along the c -axis. Meanwhile, V rich cores were detected in the center of TiB 2 and the exposure of the high-index crystal plane (1101) TiB2 was detected in Al-0.2 wt.%V. Statistical analysis of the particle size and aspect distribution both in commercial Al and Al-0.2 wt.%V was conducted. The elemental distribution and scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed that VB 2 may serve as the 2D-nucleus of TiB 2 particles. The growth mechanism of TiB 2 under the influence of V was explored.