Microstructural optimization and strengthening mechanisms of in-situ TiB₂/Al–Cu composite after multidirectional forging for six passes

In-situ TiB₂/Al–Cu composite was processed by multidirectional forging (MDF) for six passes. The microstructure evolution of the forged workpiece was examined across various regions. The mechanical properties of the as-cast and MDFed composites were compared, and their strengthening mechanisms were analyzed. Results indicate that the grain refinement achieved through the MDF process is mainly due to the subdivision of the original grains through mechanical geometric fragmentation and the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). DRX grains are formed through discontinuous DRX, continuous DRX, and recrystallization induced by particle-stimulated nucleation. A rise in accumulated equivalent strain ( \mathbf\Sigma \mathbf\Delta \mathit\varepsilon ) results in finer α-Al grains and a more uniform distribution of TiB₂ particles, which enhance the Vickers hardness of the composite. In addition, the tensile properties of the MDFed composite significantly improve compared with those of the as-cast composites, with ultimate tensile strength and yield strength increasing by 51.2% and 54%, respectively. This enhancement is primarily due to grain refinement strengthening and dislocation strengthening achieved by the MDF process.