Nanocrystalline NiTiB reinforced aluminum matrix composites: Synthesis, structural, mechanical and corrosion properties

In this study, aluminum composites were developed using a powder metallurgy route by incorporating varying amounts of nanocrystalline NiTiB into the Al2024 alloy. The effects of nanocrystalline NiTiB on the structural, morphological, corrosion, and mechanical properties of the aluminum composites were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that the base alloy and composites with 2% and 4% NiTiB exhibited the highest relative density. The composite with 4% NiTiB achieved the maximum hardness of 87.4 HV. Additionally, the inclusion of nanocrystalline NiTiB significantly improved the compressive strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of the composites. Specifically, the compressive strength increased by approximately 2% with 2% NiTiB and by around 13% with 12% NiTiB. Corrosion resistance was highest in the composite with 4% NiTiB, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the wear-loss study, the wear loss of the composites was found to be reduced by 244% and 457% for those reinforced with 2% and 12% NiTiB, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of nanocrystalline NiTiB to enhance the performance of Al2024 composites in applications demanding superior corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and wear resistance.