The Effect of V on the Morphology Transformation of TiB2 Particles in Al-4.5Cu-0.18 V Matrix

5wt%TiB_2/Al-4.5Cu-0.18 V composite materials were successfully prepared by an in-situ aluminothermic reaction assisted by mechanical agitation. The effect of V on the morphology of TiB_2 particles in the Al-4.5Cu-0.18 V matrix was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy and computer statistical software. It was found that the morphology of TiB_2 particles has hexagonal prism-shaped with a small aspect ratio, chamfered hexagonal prism and a few irregular shapes, and its size was about 0–1 μm. There was vanadium-rich shell on the surface of TiB_2 particles, which hinder the diffusion of atoms and affect the growth process of TiB_2 particles. The adsorption energies of V on different crystal planes of TiB_2 were calculated by first-principles, showing that V can be preferentially adsorbed on the {10 $$\overline{1 }$$ 1 ¯ 0} planes. Moreover, the composite tensile properties of the Al-4.5Cu-0.18 V matrix could be greatly improved by adding 5wt% TiB_2. Graphical abstract