Fabrication and Characterization of Magnesium-Based WE43/TiC Nanocomposite Material Developed Via Friction Stir Processing and Study of Significant Parameters

Abstract

Magnesium metal matrix composites (MMMCs) have exceptional mechanical and metallurgical characteristics, which have drawn the interest of researchers across the world. In the present research study, an attempt has been made to fabricate WE43 magnesium (Mg) based nanocomposites using friction stir processing (FSP) after incorporating nano-titanium carbide (TiC) as a reinforcement. Further, the impact of different FSP variables such as transverse speeds (40 mm/min and 80 mm/min), and tool rotation speeds (900 rpm and 1800 rpm) over the metallurgical, wear, and mechanical performance has been studied. The large thermal energy generated by the rotating FSP tool gives rise to the mechanism of dynamic recrystallization and plastic deformation. This contributes to refining the microstructure and improvement in microhardness as per Hall–Patch relation—contributing to prominent grain size refinement and Orowan mechanism strengthening, due to the dispersion of reinforcement particulates. The outcome of the results depicts that the nanocomposite fabricated at a tool rotation speed of 1800 rpm and 80 mm/min transverse shows better mechanical and tribological characteristics than other developed composites and the base alloy. More specifically, the grain size was reduced nearly 12 times, microhardness was 2.58 times higher, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was 2.08 times higher when contrasted to the base alloy. Moreover, the unprocessed base material was characterized by an adhesive wear mechanism whereas the presence of scratches depicts the abrasive wear mechanism was dominant for WE43/TiC nanocomposite.