Wear performance of TiC as reinforcement of a magnesium alloy matrix composite

Metallic matrix composites (MMC) have been fabricated using Mg-AZ91 alloy and TiC as reinforcement by pressureless infiltration technique. The composites were worn against different AISI 4140, AISI 1045 and H13 steels. Wear resistance was evaluated under dry sliding condition at different loads. Chemical analyses have shown the creation during the test of different oxides corresponding to the elements present in the composite. Generalized wear mechanisms of the composites are basically type abrasion–adhesion. The wear resistance in all cases was better in the Mg AZ91E alloy than in the composite MgAZ91E/TiCp.