Synergetic effect of TiC particles on cavitation erosion resistance of AZ31-TiC surface composites

AZ31/TiC surface composites were produced using Friction Stir Processing (FSP), with varying amounts of TiC particles. The microstructure and hardness measurements, as well as the evaluation of erosion wear resistance, were carried out on AZ31/TiC composites. X-ray diffraction tests were carried out to identify the phase composition. The presence of α-Mg and TiC phases was observed in all composites and no chemical interactions between the AZ31 matrix and TiC were observed at the interface. The AZ31 alloy is shown to have a hardness of 62 The AZ31 alloy reinforced with 15 vol% of TiC particles showed the highest resistance to cavitation with volume loss of 44 mm³, while the AZ31 alloy showed the lowest resistance with volume loss of 142 mm³ for 15 min exposure time. HV ± 2 HV, whereas the AZ31/15 vol% of TiC composites is found to exhibit the highest hardness of 116 HV ± 5 HV.