Effect of TiO ₂ & B ₄ C on the Mechanical Behavior and Microstructural Properties of Light Weight Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites for Compact Automobile Applications

This Experimental study demonstrates the influence of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and boron carbide (B₄C) reinforcements on the mechanical behaviour and microstructural characteristics of lightweight hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMCs) tailored for compact automobile applications. The Aluminium metal matrix composites were synthesized using stir casting technique to ensure uniform dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and boron carbide (B₄C) reinforcements within the aluminium matrix. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical Microscopy, were employed to analyze the microstructural evolution and phase distribution. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in mechanical performance with 38% increase in tensile strength, 22% increase in impact strength which are attributed to the synergistic effects of TiO₂ and B₄C. These improvements were correlated with refined grain structures and the formation of stable intermetallic compounds. The optimized HMMCs exhibited a remarkable balance of low density and high strength, making them highly suitable for automotive components requiring weight reduction without any compromise in durability and performance. This research provides valuable insights into the development of high-performance, lightweight materials for the automotive industry.