Synthesis mechanism of an Al-Ti-C grain refiner master alloy prepared by a new method

Abstract

The mechanisms of in-situ synthesis of an Al-Ti-C grain-refiner master alloy, prepared by adding a powder mixture of potassium titanium fluoride and carbon into an aluminum melt, have been systematically studied. It was found that vigorous reactions occurred at the initial stage of reaction and then slowed down. After about 20 minutes, the reactions, which led the formation of blocky titanium aluminides and submicron titanium carbides in the aluminum matrix, appeared to reach completion. Potassium titanium fluoride reacted with aluminum and carbon at 724 °C and 736 °C, respectively, resulting in the formation of titanium aluminides and titanium carbides in the aluminum matrix as well as in the formation of a low-melting-point slag of binary potassium aluminofluorides. The reaction between potassium titanium fluoride and carbon is believed to be the predominant mechanism in the synthesis of TiC by this method.