Investigation on Mechanical and Fracture Behavior of Magnesium Composite Reinforced With Hybrid Fly Ash Particulates Synthesized via Friction Stir Processing Route

Abstract

Utilizing waste materials like fly ash in the creation of lightweight magnesium metal matrix composites with a high strength-to-weight ratio is encouraged by the rising demand for in-expensive reinforcements. In the current study, friction stir processing (FSP) was employed to synthesize magnesium surface composites via incorporating hybrid reinforcement particles, including nano titanium carbide and fly ash. The synthesized composite material underwent examination through microscopic images of the stir zone and assessments of microhardness, tensile strength, compressive strength, electrical and thermal conductance, and wear behavior. The results revealed a notable refinement in grain size and a simultaneous improvement in mechanical properties. Notably, there was a substantial increase in wear resistance attributed to the increased hardness and uniform dispersion of hybrid reinforcements within the surface composite. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of reinforcements in magnesium-based alloy led to an enhancement in fracture toughness, mitigation of crack propagation, and an overall improvement in fracture resistance to catastrophic failure.