Investigation of the deformation behavior of titanium-particle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites through in situ synchrotron radiation diffraction

Abstract

Despite the exceptional mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composites (MMCs) with metallic reinforcements, the specifics of their deformation behavior remain inadequately understood. This study aims to provide new insights into twinning and dislocation activities in a Tip/Mg–5Al composite during tensile deformation by in situ synchrotron radiation diffraction tests. The composite exhibits a tensile elongation of 12.5 %, a macro-yield strength of 115 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strength of 252 MPa. It is found that the activities of basal geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) and {10 ̅ 2} tension twins within the α-Mg matrix may lead to distinct forms of micro-yielding of the composite. Additionally, the deformed Ti particles play a crucial role in facilitating deformation compatibility between the α-Mg matrix and reinforcements. The critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) ratio of prismatic slip to basal slip of the α-Mg matrix is estimated. The influence of the load transfer effect on non-basal dislocation activation is also discussed.