Evaluation of the Wear and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Diboride-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

The synthesis of x-wt.% (where x = 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) TiB₂-reinforced titanium matrix was accomplished through the spark plasma sintering technique (SPS). The sintered bulk samples were characterized, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Near full density was attained, with the sintered sample having the least relative density of 97.5%. This indicates that the SPS process aids good sinterability. The Vickers hardness of the consolidated samples improved from 188.1 HV1 to 304.8 HV1, attributed to the high hardness of the TiB₂. The tensile strength and elongation of the sintered samples decreased with increasing TiB₂ content. The nano hardness and reduced elastic modulus of the consolidated samples were upgraded due to the addition of TiB₂, with the Ti-7.5 wt.% TiB₂ sample showing the maximum values of 9841 MPa and 188 GPa, respectively. The microstructures display the dispersion of whiskers and in-situ particles, and the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed new phases. Furthermore, the presence of TiB₂ particles in the composites enhanced better wear resistance than the unreinforced Ti sample. Due to dimples and large cracks, ductile and brittle fracture behavior was noticed in the sintered composites.