Enhancing ductility, strength, and hardness of WE43 Mg alloy-based metal matrix composite fabricated via friction stir processing: Effect of hybrid reinforcement and Volume percentage

Pursuing lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries, driven by environmental concerns and fuel efficiency goals, has increased interest in magnesium alloys. The RE-based WE-series exhibits superior properties, making it a compelling candidate for various applications. However, inherent limitations, including low ductility, hardness, and strength, necessitate further enhancements. In this study, an effort is being made to fabricate Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) through Friction Stir Processing (FSP) using WE43 Mg alloy as matrix and NiTi, Fe, and Sn as hybrid reinforcement particles. The study involved varying the composition of the reinforcement particles, and the analysis of hardness, ductility, and strength was conducted and compared with the base material. The results indicate that the samples processed with hybrid reinforcements using FSP effectively refine the microstructure, leading to improved properties. The highest hardness (81.3 HV), and strength (176 MPa), were observed in the S3 sample. The maximum ductility/strain percentage of 21.9 % was attained in the S2 sample. This research introduces innovative possibilities for expanding the application scope of magnesium alloys, addressing challenges, and capitalizing on their unique properties.