Fabrication of TiB2 particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composites by powder metallurgy

Magnesium metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with 10, 20 and 30 vol.% TiB2 particulates, respectively, were fabricated by powder metallurgy. The microstructure, porosity, hardness and abrasive wear behavior of the composites were evaluated. Microstructural characterization of Mg MMCs showed generally uniform reinforcement distribution. As compared with pure Mg, the hardness (HB) values of Mg MMCs reinforced with 10, 20 and 30 vol.% TiB2 Particulates were increased by 41%, 106% and 181%, respectively. The abrasive wear tests showed that the wear resistance of Mg MMCs is increased with the increasing of the reinforcement volume fraction. This was due to the strong particulate-matrix bonding and high hardness of the TiB2 particulate. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.