Effect of B₄C reinforcement and hot rolling on microstructure and mechanical properties of WE43 magnesium matrix composite

Abstract

In this study, WE43 alloy matrix composites, reinforced with 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% B4C particles have been produced by the stir casting technique at 750 °C. Cast ingots of the matrix alloy and the composites were then subjected to hot rolling at 480 °C. After that, the effect of B4C additions (0–10 wt%) as well as hot rolling on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WE43 alloy were investigated. Microstructural characterization following hot rolling revealed a relatively uniform distribution of B4C particles, well-bonded B4C particles to the matrix, and a minimal porosity level. Further, both as-cast and hot-rolled composites have shown considerable grain refinement and hence improved mechanical properties compared to unreinforced alloy. Twinning was the dominant deformation mechanism in the hot-rolled WE43 alloy, whereas dynamic recrystallization occurred extensively in hot-rolled composites. It was observed that tensile strength and hardness values were improved not only as B4C content increased but more due to the rolling effect; however, elongation to fracture was reduced. Maximum ultimate tensile strength of ∼284 MPa and yield strength of ∼259 MPa with an improved hardness to ∼97 HB were obtained for the hot-rolled WE43-10%B4C composite.

Tribological aspects of magnesium matrix composites: A review of recent experimental studies

“…For the worn surfaces of the composites, the degree of plastic deformation was lower than that of unreinforced alloy. This is attributed to the presence of reinforcement particles leading to the form GNDs in the matrix, which strengthened the matrix [123,124]. Under high load (90 N), the unreinforced alloy undergoes extreme plastic deformation, thermal softening and partial melting.…”

Hot deformation behavior and processing map development of Mg/Al2O3 composite: A case study of extrusion ratio effects

“…1,2 Moreover, different approaches including the addition of alloying elements and ceramic particles as a reinforcement to fabricate magnesium composite can further improve these properties. [3][4][5] Secondary processes such as rolling, 6 forging, 7 extrusion, 8 and severe plastic deformation processes 9 are recognized to be other ways to improve the both mechanical and corrosion behavior of magnesium and its composites by removing defects and porosities.…”

Investigation of Microstructure and Tribological behavior of WE43/nano B4C Composites Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering

“…Among Mg alloys, WE43 alloy, which have stand out the attention of researchers in recent years, are preferred because of their superior mechanical and microstructural properties compared to other Mg alloys, as they contain rare earth elements. Despite neodymium, yttrium and other rare earth elements exhibit properties such as good mechanical performance at high temperatures, flame retardancy and high temperature creep resistance, studies are continuing to improve the problems in wear properties (Banijamali et al, 2022).…”