Microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze cast Mg-Sn/TiO2 composites

Abstract

The present work investigates the effect of minor addition of Sn on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of Mg- TiO2 composites. The composites were prepared by stir squeeze casting technique under the argon gas inert atmosphere at a squeeze pressure of 100 MPa. Microstructural and morphological observations were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) respectively. Microstructural characterization showed homogeneous distribution of TiO2 particles in α-Mg matrix, evidential grain refinement and very minimal porosity. Mechanical properties such as hardness, ultimate compressive strength (UCS), and failure strain rate under compressive loading were estimated. Mechanical test results revealed that the hardness, and compressive properties of Mg- TiO2 composite were significantly improved up to the addition of 10 wt% of TiO2. The significant improvement in mechanical properties could be attributed to the uniform distribution of TiO2 grain refinement and the formation of intermetallic phases.