Belt abrasion resistance and cutting tool studies on new ultra-hard boride materials

Composites of AlMgB14 with 0, 30, and 70 wt% of TiB2 were prepared by mechanical alloying and hot pressing. The composites’ belt abrasion resistance and cutting tool performance were measured by gravimetric analysis of material removal at varying loads and cutting speeds. AlMgB14–70 wt% TiB2 composites had high hardness and fracture toughness and the highest abrasive resistance of the three compositions. Cutting tool performance of AlMgB14–70 wt% TiB2 showed low wear due to chipping and little reaction with the Ti–6Al–4V work-piece. Subsurface damage and adhesion of the work-piece onto the tool material were gauged by SEM.