A hypereutectic composition of α-Fe(Co)–TiB₂ composite was produced in strip and rod form through casting technique. The phases observed in the composite consisted of α-Fe(Co) and TiB₂. Primary TiB₂ particles in the rod measured upto 50 µm while for strip the size remained upto 20 µm. Hardness and elastic modulus values of 33.7 and 504 GPa were obtained for the TiB₂ particles respectively. Coarse grains and lamellar α-Fe(Co)–TiB₂ eutectic was observed in the rod while the microstructure was finer in the strip. The matrix possessed a hardness of ∼6 GPa. TiB₂ particles possessed low indentation fracture toughness. Good homogeneity and better distribution of microstructural features resulted in less scatter in the values of hardness and elastic modulus.

Equiatomic TiNi alloy composites, reinforced with 0, 5, 10, and 15 vol% ZrO₂, were synthesized using conventional sintering approach. Equiatomic TiNi pre-alloyed powder and ZrO₂ powder were mixed in planetary ball mill for 6 h followed by cold compaction and pressure-less sintering, respectively. The sintered density was found to vary inversely with the addition of ZrO₂ content. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra have shown the formation of multiple-phases which were resulted from the decomposition of the B19′ and B2 phases of the equiatomic TiNi alloy due to the addition of ZrO₂ and higher diffusion rate of Ni than that of Ti in the alloy composite. An increase in hardness was noted due to the addition of ZrO₂, measured by micro and nanoindentation techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization scan revealed a 10% decrease in the corrosion rate of the composite containing 10 vol% ZrO₂. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicated an increase in passive layer resistance (R_coat) due to the increase in charge transfer resistance (R_ct) caused by the reduced leaching of ions from the surface.

Carbon nanotube–glue composite gel-based surface-type elastic sensors with a cylindrical shape deformable (flexible) metallic body were fabricated for tactile pressure and compressive displacement sensing. The fabrication of the sensors was performed using the rubbing-in technique. The effect of the pressure and the compressive displacement on the capacitance and the impedance of the sensors were investigated at various frequencies (in the range of 1 kHz to 200 kHz). It was found that under the effect of pressure from 0 to 9 g/cm², the capacitance increased by 1.86 and 1.78 times, while the impedance decreased by 1.84 and 1.71 times at the frequencies of 1 kHz to 200 kHz, respectively. The effect of displacement on the impedance and the capacitance of the device was also investigated at various frequencies from 1 kHz to 200 kHz. The results showed that under the effect of compressive displacement up to 25 µm, the impedance of the sensors decreased on average by 1.19 times, while the capacitance increased by 1.09 times, accordingly. The frequency response of the displacement sensor showed that it matched with the low-pass filter. The obtained results are explained based on changes in the shape and geometrical parameters of the cylindrical-shaped conductive body. These results have also been explained on the basis of the distance between the conductive plates of the capacitive sensors during compression, which takes place under the effect of applied pressure or displacement. Moreover, the design of the sensors is simple and easy to fabricate, and their use is also earthy. The fabricated sensors have great potential for commercialization.

The effect of addition of gold (Au) on the structure and mechanical properties of (Fe_0.5Co_0.5)₇₁Nb₄Si₅B₂₀ BMG alloy was studied. Addition of Au formed crystals in the BMG alloy. Gradual increase in the amount of Au added to the BMG alloy resulted in an increase in the amount of crystallinity and hardness of the alloy. Hardness values in excess of 1100 H_V were found in all the alloys with a maximum value of 1245 H_V. The thermal transition temperatures were also found to increase with an increasing amount of Au. Corner cracks were produced in the alloy with 1.5 at.-% Au content showing a low indentation fracture toughness value of 2.98 MPa-m^0.5.