Enhanced Tensile Properties and Reversal of Tension-Compression Asymmetry of Magnesium Reinforced with High Entropy Alloy Particles

Abstract

Abstract In this study, an attempt was made to develop magnesium-based composites containing a new type of reinforcement, ball-milled high entropy alloy (HEA) particles. The presence and variation in the amount of ball-milled HEA particles (2.5 wt. %, 5 wt. %, and 7.5 wt. %) in pure magnesium matrix and their effect on the microstructure and tensile properties of magnesium-HEA composites were investigated. HEA particle reinforcement triggered the particle-stimulated nucleation that effectively led to a significant reduction of matrix grain size in the composites. The yield and ultimate tensile strength were improved in magnesium-HEA composites. The reorientation of basal planes in recrystallized grains provided the random texture in the composites as compared to that of pure magnesium. The outcome of randomization of texture was the reduction in tension-compression yield asymmetry in the range of 0.93–1 in the case of composites.