Development of high performance magnesium composites using Ni50Ti50 metallic glass reinforcement and microwave sintering approach

The present study illustrates the structural and mechanical properties of magnesium composites containing Ni50Ti50 metallic glass reinforcement particles. Novel Mg-composites containing 3, 6 and 10 vol.%Ni50Ti50 amorphous particulates were synthesized using the microwave assisted rapid sintering technique followed by hot extrusion. The developed Mg-composite materials were investigated for their microstructural and mechanical properties. Microstructural studies revealed the retention of amorphous structure of Ni50Ti50 reinforcement and its fair distribution in developed Mg/Ni50Ti50 composites. Mechanical property evaluation under indentation and compression loads showed significant enhancement in strength properties (microhardness:+78%, 0.2CYS:+79%, UCS:+70%, 0.2TYS:+95%, UTS:+50%) without compromising the compressive ductility. For the first time, tensile properties of such amorphous particles reinforced Mg-composites were studied and the results showed ∼98% increase in 0.2TYS and ∼50% increase in UTS. The tensile ductility was adversely affected. However, the obtained values are comparable to that of conventional Mg-composites. The observed mechanical response discussed in terms of structure-property relationship highlights the efficacy of amorphous Ni50Ti50 reinforcement particles and the energy efficient microwave sintering approach to produce high performance magnesium composites.