The effect of temperature on load partitioning evolution in magnesium metal matrix composite reinforced with Ti particles using in-situ synchrotron radiation diffraction experiments

The load partitioning between the magnesium and titanium phases in an extruded Mg-15%Ti (vol.%) composite from room temperature up to 300 °C using synchrotron radiation diffraction during in-situ compression tests. During compression, the magnesium matrix composite deforms mainly by the activation of the extension twinning system up to 200 °C. The volume fraction of twins increases with the plastic strain but decrease with the compression temperature. Hard titanium particles bear an additional load transferred by the soft magnesium matrix from room temperature up to 300 °C. This effect is amplified after yield stress during plastic deformation. Additionally, twins within magnesium grains behaves as an additional reinforcement at low temperature (below 200 °C) inducing an increase in the work hardening of the composite.