Aluminum-Based Titanium Diboriden Al-TiB2

Product Overview

Aluminum-based titanium diboride (Al-TiB₂) composite material is a new type of metal matrix composite made with an aluminum alloy as the matrix and titanium diboride (TiB₂) ceramic particles as the reinforcement phase, produced through in-situ synthesis or powder metallurgy processes. Titanium diboride features a high melting point, high hardness, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and good wettability with molten aluminum, making it an ideal reinforcement for aluminum-based composites.

This material combines the lightweight characteristics of aluminum alloys with the high strength, wear resistance, and conductivity of TiB₂. It is widely used in aerospace, defense equipment, electronic packaging, and the aluminum electrolysis industry.

Key Features

1. High Specific Strength and Stiffness: The addition of TiB₂ reinforcement significantly improves the material’s strength and elastic modulus while maintaining a low density (approximately 2.8–3.2 g/cm³), achieving excellent structural efficiency.
2. Excellent Wear Resistance: With a hardness of up to 34 GPa (about 3400 HV), TiB₂ provides the composite with outstanding anti-wear performance, suitable for high-friction conditions.
3. Good Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: TiB₂ itself exhibits metallic conductivity (resistivity approximately 14.4 μΩ·cm), allowing the composite to maintain good overall electrical and thermal conductivity.
4. High-Temperature Stability: TiB₂ can resist oxidation in air at temperatures up to 1000–1100°C, enabling the composite to operate reliably at elevated temperatures for extended periods.
5. Excellent Wettability with Molten Aluminum: The superior wettability between TiB₂ and molten aluminum gives it unique advantages in aluminum electrolysis cathode materials and aluminum-based composites.
6. Uniform Distribution of Reinforcement Phase: In-situ synthesis allows TiB₂ particle sizes to be controlled between 0.01–5.0 micrometers, ensuring uniform distribution and strong interfacial bonding.

Main Technical Parameters

Parameter Category		Specification
Material Composition		Al + TiB₂ (Volume fraction 10% – 40%)
Physical Properties	Density	2.8 – 3.2 g/cm³ (Pure TiB₂: 4.52 g/cm³)
	Melting Point of TiB₂	2980 – 3230 °C
Mechanical Properties	Tensile Strength	300 – 550 MPa (depending on reinforcement content)
	Elastic Modulus	90 – 120 GPa
	Microhardness	150 – 250 HV (matrix); TiB₂ particles: 34 GPa
	Elongation	2% – 8%
Electrical Properties	Resistivity	5 – 15 μΩ·cm (depending on TiB₂ content)
Thermal Properties	Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	(16 – 20) × 10⁻⁶ /K (adjustable)
	Thermal Conductivity	120 – 200 W/(m·K)
	Oxidation Resistance	≥500 °C (composite); TiB₂ up to 1000 °C

Application Areas

1. Aluminum Electrolysis Industry: Used as cathode coating material in aluminum electrolytic cells. The excellent wettability of TiB₂ with molten aluminum reduces energy consumption and extends cell life.
2. Defense and Armor Protection: Serves as a reinforcement component in armor materials, often combined with boron carbide or silicon carbide to produce composite armor with high impact resistance.
3. Aerospace and High-End Equipment: Utilized in manufacturing structural components requiring high specific strength and wear resistance, such as engine parts, high-temperature crucibles, and sealing elements.
4. Electronic Packaging and Conductive Components: Its good conductivity makes it suitable for electrical contact parts, high-temperature electrodes, and conductive/thermally dissipative packaging housings.
5. Tools and Wear-Resistant Parts: Used to produce wire drawing dies, extrusion dies, sandblasting nozzles, cutting tools, and other wear-resistant tooling.

Specifications and Customization Services

We offer various product forms and specifications based on customer requirements:

Product Form	Typical Specifications (Customizable)	Process Characteristics
Plates/Thick Sheets	Thickness: 2 – 50 mm; Width ≤600 mm; Length ≤3000 mm	Powder metallurgy + Hot rolling
Rods/Tubes	Diameter: 10 – 200 mm; Length ≤2000 mm	Extrusion molding
Custom Shapes	According to drawings	Near-net shaping + Precision machining
Castings	As per requirement	Stir casting + Pressure infiltration
TiB₂ Content	10%, 20%, 30%, 40% (by volume)	Adjustable based on performance needs

Usage Instructions and Precautions

1. Machining: Can be machined using cemented carbide or PCD tools for turning, milling, drilling, etc. Due to the high hardness of TiB₂ particles, lower cutting speeds and appropriate feed rates are recommended to extend tool life.
2. Joining Methods: Can be joined via friction stir welding, laser welding, brazing, or mechanical fastening (bolts, rivets). Special validation of welding processes is recommended.
3. Heat Treatment: Appropriate heat treatments (e.g., T6 tempering) can be applied based on the aluminum alloy matrix to optimize mechanical properties.
4. Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, clean indoor environment at 15°C – 30°C with relative humidity ≤60%. Avoid contact with corrosive substances.

Packaging and Transportation

1. Packaging: Products are wrapped in anti-rust paper and plastic film, with buffering materials between plates/rods. Outer packaging consists of reinforced wooden or iron crates for moisture and shock protection.
2. Transportation: Suitable for road, rail, and sea freight. Avoid severe impact, compression, and exposure to rain during transit.

5 FAQs: Aluminum-Based Titanium Diboride (Al-TiB2）

1. What is Al-TiB₂?
It is a lightweight metal matrix composite combining an aluminum alloy with hard titanium diboride (TiB₂) ceramic particles for enhanced strength and wear resistance.

2. What are its main advantages?
High specific strength, excellent wear resistance, good electrical/thermal conductivity, and superior wettability with molten aluminum.

3. Where is it primarily used?
Key applications include aluminum electrolysis cathodes, aerospace structural parts, defense armor, electronic packaging, and wear-resistant tooling.

4. How is it manufactured?
Common methods include in-situ synthesis (reacting Ti and B within molten Al), powder metallurgy, and stir casting.

5. Can the material properties be customized?
Yes, the volume fraction of TiB₂ (typically 10–40%) and product forms (plates, rods, coatings) can be tailored to specific performance needs.