Cavitation-induced particle engulfment via enhancing particle-interface interaction in solidification

[Display omitted] •Particle engulfment was facilitated via ultrasonic-assisted solidification.•It is attributed to the vigorous movement of particles towards the s/l interface.•The secondary dendrites are refined due to the enhanced disturbance. Particle engulfment plays a vital role in the application of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites fabricated by ingot metallurgy. During solidification, particles are nevertheless pushed by an advancing front. As a model system, TiB2p/Al composites were used to investigate the particle engulfment facilitated by acoustic cavitation. The implosion of bubbles drives the particles plunging towards the solid/liquid interface, which increases the engulfment probability. The secondary dendrite arms are refined from 271.2 μm to 98.0 μm as a result of the forced movements of TiB2 particles. Owing to the particle engulfment and dendrite refinement, the composite with ultrasound vibration treatment shows a more rapid work-hardening rate and higher strength.