AZ31/TiC surface composites were produced using Friction Stir Processing (FSP), with varying amounts of TiC particles. The microstructure and hardness measurements, as well as the evaluation of erosion wear resistance, were carried out on AZ31/TiC composites. X-ray diffraction tests were carried out to identify the phase composition. The presence of α-Mg and TiC phases was observed in all composites and no chemical interactions between the AZ31 matrix and TiC were observed at the interface. The AZ31 alloy is shown to have a hardness of 62 The AZ31 alloy reinforced with 15 vol% of TiC particles showed the highest resistance to cavitation with volume loss of 44 mm3, while the AZ31 alloy showed the lowest resistance with volume loss of 142 mm3 for 15 min exposure time. HV ± 2 HV, whereas the AZ31/15 vol% of TiC composites is found to exhibit the highest hardness of 116 HV ± 5 HV.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In this study, the effect of ultrasonic vibration during Friction Stir Vibration Processing (FSVP) on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of AZ31/TiC surface composites was investigated. Specifically, Titanium Carbide (TiC) particles were introduced as a reinforcement (15 vol%) into the magnesium alloy AZ31 using both Friction Stir Processing (FSP) and FSVP. Comprehensive examinations were carried out to analyse the microstructure, hardness, and tensile behaviour of the resulting composites. The study revealed significant improvements in mechanical properties due to the application of ultrasonic vibration during FSP. Firstly, the stir zone region was found to be free from voids, enhancing material flow and promoting even dispersion of TiC powders within the matrix. Secondly, refinement of grains was observed due to dynamic recrystallization and the pinning effect imposed by TiC particles, leading to the formation of more dislocations in the composite and indicating a considerable alteration in the material's structure. Importantly, the vibration during FSP introduced an auxiliary energy source, resulting in a remarkable enhancement in both hardness and tensile strength. Compared to the AZ31/15 vol% TiC FSP composite, the composites produced via FSVP exhibited a grain size reduction of about 64% and improvements in hardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of about 55% and 21%, respectively. Notably, these improvements were achieved without compromising the ductility of the composite, which remained at appreciable levels.

• Klíčová slova
• AZ31, FSP, FSVP, Mechanical properties, magnesium, ultrasonic vibration,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH