Effects of TiB2 Nanoparticles on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy Processed Through Stir Casting Technique

Abstract

The effect of reinforcement with titanium diboride (TiB₂) nanoparticles with an average size of 80 nm on the mechanical properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy was studied. The reinforcing TiB₂ particles in an amount of 0.5 and 1.5 wt.% were introduced through the stir-casting process. Microstructural analysis and static tensile tests were performed to evaluate the effect of reinforcing the AZ91D alloy with TiB₂ nanoparticles. It was found that the addition of TiB₂ nanoparticles significantly improves the mechanical properties of the AZ91D alloy. The ultimate tensile strength increases by 3% for the composite with 0.5 wt.% TiB₂ and by 10% for the composite with 1.5 wt.% TiB₂ compared to the unreinforced alloy. The yield strength also increases by 5% and 14% for the composites with 0.5 and 1.5 wt.% TiB₂, respectively. In addition, the microhardness is significantly increased by adding TiB₂. The results obtained showed that reinforcing the magnesium alloy AZ91D with TiB₂ nanoparticles increases the efficiency of its use for the manufacture of massive engineering constructions.