Effect of ball milling the hybrid reinforcements on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-(Ti + n-Al2O3) composites

► Pure Mg with hybrid reinforcements (5.6Ti + n-2.5Al2O3) has been successfully produced. ► Comparative study of direct and ball-milled reinforcement additions was conducted. ► Ball-milling modifies the morphology and distribution of hybrid reinforcements. ► Composites with direct addition show high strength, but low ductility in both tensile and compressive loading. ► Composites with ball-milled reinforcements show improved tensile and compressive strength and tensile ductility.