Effect of interfacial reaction products on the wettability and interfacial strength of B4C/Al composites

The B4C/Al composites were prepared by stirring casting method. The method of experimental analysis combined with first-principles calculations was used to explore the influence mechanism of the interfacial reaction products Al3BC and TiB2 on the wettability of B4C/Al composite particles and the interfacial bonding strength. The results show that when the interface reaction product is Al3BC, the wettability of B4C particles has not been substantially improved, particle agglomeration still exists, and the interface bonding is poor. Excessive interface reaction makes the decomposition and loss of B4C particles serious, resulting in insignificant strengthening effect of B4C particles. When the interface reaction product is TiB2 by adding Ti element, the particle wettability is significantly improved, the agglomeration of B4C particles is significantly reduced, the interface bonding strength is higher, and the mechanical properties are significantly improved. The Al(111)/TiB2(0001) interface adhesion work of different terminals is greater than that of Al(111)/B4C(0001), indicating that the interface reaction product TiB2 can improve the wettability of B4C particles. The interface reaction product Al3BC is very limited in improving the wettability of B4C particles. A mixed covalent/metallic bond is formed on the interface of Al(111)/Al3BC(0001) and Al(111)/TiB2(0001). The chemical bonding strength on the Al(111)/TiB2(0001) interface is greater, and the interface bonding strength is correspondingly greater. Copyright ©2022 Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica. All rights reserved.