Enhanced tensile properties and wear resistance of Tip/AZ31 composites prepared by hot-press sintering

For magnesium (Mg) matrix composites (MMCs), trade-off between strength and plasticity has long been an issue of puzzle. In this work, hot-press sintering and hot extrusion are used to prepare Ti particles (Tip) reinforced AZ31 (Tip/AZ31) composites. The strength, plasticity, and wear resistance of Tip/AZ31 composites are improved simultaneously. Ti particles refine the grains of composites and accelerate the precipitation of Mg17Al12 particles in Mg matrix. The best tensile properties and wear resistance are achieved in 6 wt%Tip/AZ31 composite, with ultimate tensile strength of 290 MPa, elongation of 15.5 %, and wear rate of 4.343 × 10−3 mm3/m, respectively. Especially, the wear rate of 6 wt%Tip/AZ31 is reduced by 54.6 % compared to the matrix alloy. The underlying strengthening mechanisms, toughness mechanisms, and wear mechanisms of Tip/AZ31 composites were discussed in detail.