ABSTRACT
In the present investigation, the effect of Al-5Ti-B grain refiner on the microstructure and mechanical properties of heat-treated Al 336 aluminum alloy was studied. Microstructural analysis showed the transition of needle-like silicon to globular silicon after the addition of the grain refiner. The results indicated that the addition of Al-5Ti-B grain refiner into the alloy caused a significant improvement in Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) values from 330.16 MPa to 363.69 MPa. The Rockwell hardness values of the cast specimen also showed an increase. The principal mechanism behind this improvement was found to be due to the grain refinement during solidification of the melt.
