Enhanced the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Porosity Analysis of AZ31/TiB2 Magnesium Alloy Metal Matrix Composite Through Ultrasonic Assisted Squeeze Casting Process
摘要
The current study examines the microstructural, mechanical characteristics, and porosity analysis of AZ31/TiB2 magnesium metal matrix composites synthesized by stir casting technique enhanced by ultrasonic agitation in an inert atmosphere then squeeze cast using various weight percentages (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%) of TiB2 particles. The alloy comprises α-Mg grains and β-Mg17Al12 phases uniformly distributed at the grain boundary. When reinforcements are added to the matrix alloy, it reduces the average grain size and this furthermore results in the breaking down of the β-Mg17Al12 phase. By minimizing its segregation at the grain boundaries, the squeeze casting ultrasonic-assisted improved the microstructure’s secondary phase (β-Mg17Al12). Microscopic analyses like optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), micro-CT scan, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and characterization of mechanical properties such as microhardness, impact strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ultimate compressive strength were carried out. The micro-CT scan reveals the open, closed, and total porosity present in the AZ31 alloy and AZ31/TiB2 composites. The fractography examination of the fractured surfaces from the tensile tests was conducted using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The integration of mechanical stirring, ultrasonication, and squeezing has led to substantial enhancements of microhardness (106.1HV, ↑ 58.59%), yield strength (113MPa, ↑ 35.65 %), ultimate tensile strength (170 MPa, ↑ 39.34%), compressive strength (317.2MPa, ↑ 40.54%), and impact strength (4.48J, ↑ 42.22%) for the AZ31/5%TiB2 composites having minimal porosity