Synthesis of titanium particles reinforced AZ31 magnesium composites by friction stir processing: influence of process parameters
By Isaac Dinaharan (Tsinghua University), Shuai Zhang (Tsinghua University), Gaoqiang Chen (Tsinghua University), Qingyu Shi (Tsinghua University)

The light weight magnesium matrix composites (MMCs) are counted as the next generation composites materials to replace existing aluminum matrix composites in several components. The present work reports the synthesis of titanium (Ti) particle reinforced AZ31 magnesium alloy using friction stir processing (FSP) and analyze the influence of traverse speed and number of passes on the microstructure and tensile strength. Ti particles were packed in a machined groove and were processed using a vertical milling machine. The microstructures of the processed composites were recorded using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The variation in the distribution of Ti particles resulted in the evolution of various kinds of regions within the stir zone. The increase in traverse speed caused inhomogeneous distribution of particles. On the contrary, the distribution became homogenous as the number of passes was increased. The grains in the magnesium matrix encountered a refinement as traverse speed and number of passes were increased. The influence of process parameters on the tensile strength is further presented.