Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti Particles Reinforced AZ31-Mg Alloy Matrix Composites Through ARB and Subsequent Annealing

This work aims to study the effects of dispersed pure titanium particles (150 mesh) with 0, 2.3, 3.5, 4.9, and 8.6 wt.% on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31-Mg alloy matrix. Mg–Ti composites were processed through a three accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process using thickness reductions of 50% each pass followed by heat treatment at 400 °C for 12 h in an argon atmosphere. Mechanical properties of Mg–0 and Mg–2.3 Ti composite were enhanced by ~ 8 and 13% in YS and ~ 30 and 32% in UTS, respectively. Meanwhile, the elongation of the composite was decreased by 63 and 70%. After heat treatment, the results showed a decrease in yield strength and increased in the elongation to fracture. The mechanical properties of the Mg–0 and Mg–2.3 Ti composite were enhanced; ultimate tensile strength by 9 and 7%, and elongation by 40 and 67%, while the yield strength was decreased by 28 and 36% compared with the initial AZ31. Enhancement of strength and ductility was developed based on the operation of two mechanisms: developing a random matrix texture by ARB, and dispersion of ductile titanium particles. ARB is an efficient process to fabricate an Mg–Ti composite material.