Sustainable Materials Innovation: TiB-Reinforced Al-Si Alloy Connecting Rod and Piston Development for Green Automotive Technologies

¹ Automotive Engineering Technology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, 55183 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Department of International Relations, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, 55183 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, 55183 Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This research investigates the development of a high-performance aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) alloy connecting rod and piston reinforced with titanium boride (TiB) particles. Al-Si alloys are widely used in the automotive sector due to their lightweight nature, good thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. However, their mechanical properties, especially tensile strength, hardness, and wear resistance are often insufficient for demanding applications like connecting rods. To address this, TiB particles are introduced as reinforcements to create a metal matrix composite with superior mechanical performance. The study emphasizes refining the casting process to ensure uniform dispersion and strong bonding of TiB particles within the Al-Si matrix, which is crucial for consistent and reliable performance. Casting parameters are optimized to enhance microstructural uniformity and particle integration. After casting, mechanical testing was conducted, including tensile strength, hardness, and wear resistance evaluations. The results show significant improvements in all tested properties compared to the unreinforced alloy. The TiB-reinforced composite demonstrated higher tensile strength, increased hardness, and reduced wear, indicating its suitability for high-stress engine components. These enhancements suggest that the reinforced connecting rod and piston can offer longer service life, reduced maintenance, and improved reliability in automotive applications, making it a promising solution for lightweight and durable engine part manufacturing.