Controlled Size Characterization Process for In-Situ TiB₂ Particles from Al Matrix Composites Using Nanoparticle Size...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Composite Materials

Background:

• In-situ TiB2 particles in Al matrix composites exhibit wide size distribution and agglomeration.
• Accurate size characterization of these particles is challenging.
• Existing methods struggle with agglomeration and wide size ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a controlled process for precise size characterization of TiB2 particles using a nanoparticle size analyzer (NSA).
• To optimize extraction, drying, and dispersion methods for TiB2 powders.
• To enable accurate determination of TiB2 particle size distribution in Al matrix composites.

Main Methods:

• Optimized extraction of TiB2 from Al matrix using magnetic stirring and ultrasound in HCl.
• Utilized freeze-drying to minimize TiB2 particle agglomeration.
• Applied chemical dispersion with PEI and physical dispersion via high-energy ultrasound for TiB2 suspension.

Main Results:

• Freeze-drying effectively reduced TiB2 particle agglomeration.
• PEI addition (mPEI/mTiB2 = 1/30) and 10 min ultrasound improved TiB2 dispersion.
• Achieved first-time bimodal size distribution characterization of TiB2 by NSA.
• Number-average diameter determined as 111 ± 6 nm, a 59.8% reduction.

Conclusions:

• The developed controlled process enables accurate characterization of TiB2 particle size distribution.
• The optimized methods overcome challenges of agglomeration and wide size range.
• NSA results correlate well with Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy data.