Effects of TiO2 coating on microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composite reinforced with Mg2B2O5w

The interface between the reinforcement and the matrix is very important for metal matrix composites. The effects of TiO2 coating on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg2B2O5w-reinforced AZ91D magnesium matrix composite fabricated by squeeze casting technique were studied. The results indicate the flexural strength and flexural modulus of Mg2B2O5w/TiO2/AZ91D composite is 40% and 35% up on that of Mg2B2O5w/AZ91D composite. The reason is that the MgO interfacial product resulting from the reaction between the TiO2 coating and the liquid Mg can enhance the interfacial bonding strength and increase the load transfer from the matrix to the reinforcement, which leads to higher mechanical properties of Mg2B2O5w/TiO2/AZ91D composite.

► TiO2 coating was successfully prepared on Mg2B2O5w surface via the sol–gel method.
► Mg2B2O5w/AZ91D and Mg2B2O5w/TiO2/AZ91D composites were successfully fabricated.
► Mechanical properties of Mg2B2O5w/TiO2/AZ91D were higher with help of TiO2 coating.
► The improvement in mechanical properties of Mg2B2O5w/TiO2/AZ91D was discussed.