Abstract
This study is intended to investigate producibility of functionally graded AlB2/Al composites which are used in the manufacture of ship machinery parts. AlB2 particles have been spontaneously formed in liquid matrix as reinforcement. A semi-solid composite (Al(l) - AlB2(s)) prepared at 850°C was solidified under a centrifugal force to grade functionally. The properties of composite materials such as hardness and microstructure have been examined. This research provided the following findings, AlB2 particles can be successfully synthesized with in situ reaction technique in molten aluminum. It was determined that the hardness value of the composites increases with increasing AlB2 reinforcement content within matrix. Functionally graded AlB2/Al composite materials can be successfully produced with centrifugal casting technique. It is also determined that AlB2 reinforcement ratio of the composite materials ranged from 0 to 7 vol. %. In addition, it was observed that the hardness values of the composites increased with the addition of reinforcement ratio.