Effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the microstructure evolution and crystallographic texture in magnesium

In the present study, commercially pure micrometer-sized magnesium powder was reinforced with different volume percentages of TiO₂ nanoparticles using powder metallurgy process followed by hot extrusion. The powder metallurgy processing of the materials includes blending the powders together followed by compaction and high temperature sintering in inert atmospheric condition. Microstructural analysis of the extruded reinforced magnesium has revealed that the TiO₂ nanoparticles enhanced the recrystallization process in the magnesium matrix and also significantly refined the grain morphology. Analysis of X-ray diffraction spectrum of the extruded powder processed magnesium has revealed significant pyramidal plane texturing parallel to the extrusion direction due to the incorporation of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Texture coefficient calculated from the X-ray diffraction spectrum using Harris texture index formula revealed that the presence of increasing volume percentage of TiO₂ nanoparticles reinforcement gradually relaxed the strong alignment of basal plane and enhanced the pyramidal plane texturing parallel to the extrusion direction.