Optimization of the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of nacre-inspired TiB2/Al-Cu composites via gelatin addition

• Published in: Journal of Central South University Vol. 31; no. 2; pp. 416 - 430
• Main Authors: Chen, Ya-li, Lin, Bo, Nie, Meng, Hu, Ke, Xiao, Hua-qiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Changsha Central South University 01.02.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bend strength; Casting; Composite materials; Compressive strength; Crack initiation; Engineering; Fracture toughness; Gelatin; Mechanical properties; Metallic Materials; Microstructure; Nacre; Squeeze casting; Titanium diboride; Wear mechanisms; Wear resistance; gelatin addition; 挤压铸造; 仿贝壳技术; 冷冻铸造; Al-Cu复合材料; 明胶添加; TiB; Al-Cu composites; freeze casting; squeeze casting; nacre-inspired technology
• ISSN: 2095-2899; 2227-5223
• DOI: 10.1007/s11771-024-5584-9

Nacre-inspired TiB 2 /Al-Cu composites were prepared by freeze casting and squeeze casting. This study focused on the effect of gelatin content on microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and wear resistance of the composites. The structure formation, as well as the fracture and wear mechanisms of the composites, was analyzed. The results demonstrate that both the compressive and bending strength and the toughness of the TiB 2 /Al-Cu composites improved with gelatin addition. The composites with 1.0 wt% gelatin content achieved optimal mechanical properties, with a compressive strength, bending strength, crack-initiation toughness ( K IC ), and crack-growth toughness ( K JC ) of (625±13) MPa, (626±4) MPa, (22.23±0.2) MPa ∙ m 1/2 , and (54.43±2.4) MPa ∙ m 1/2 , respectively. Moreover, the gelatin addition improved the wear properties of the laminated TiB 2/ Al-Cu composites significantly. The bent ceramic layer and increased ceramic bridging are responsible for the improved strength, toughness, and wear resistance of the TiB 2 /Al-Cu composites inspired by nacre with gelatin addition, which further increased the potential of multiple cracks and reduced the Al layer’s ability to deform plastically.