Magnesium-based nanocomposites synthesized using friction stir processing: an experimental study

Friction stir processing is emerging as a potential methodology for manufacturing magnesium metal matrix composites with almost no defect. In the current work, friction stir processing was utilized for the synthesis of two different magnesium metal matrix composites, i.e., AZ31B/titanium carbide and WE43/titanium carbide. The produced specimens were examined for metallurgical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. Compared to the base alloys, microstructure analysis revealed significant refinement in grains from 42 µm to 3.5 µm, which simultaneously contributes to nearly doubled microhardness values. In addition, when compared to base metal, an enhancement up to 1.66 times, 1.78 times and 1.61 times, respectively, was recorded for nano-hardness, tensile strength, and compressive strength values. Moreover, the presence of more refined grains in the fabricated composites was also shown to reduce electrical conductivity. Lastly, after analyzing various strengthening mechanisms, it was found that the refinement of grain majorly contributes to the final strengthening of the composite material.