Effect of multi-directional compression on microstructure and mechanical properties of Tip/WE43 composite

Titanium (Ti) particle-reinforced Mg-4Y–2Nd-1Gd-0.5Zr (WE43) magnesium (Mg) matrix composite (Tip/WE43) was prepared via vacuum hot-pressing sintering. The multi-directional compression (MDC) treatment significantly enhanced the material's strength, and the MDC 6 wt% Tip/WE43 composite exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, with a yield strength (YS) of 255 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 316 MPa, and elongation (EL) of 8.9 %. The presence of Ti particles within the composite hinders the basal slip of the Mg matrix during plastic deformation, facilitating the early onset of tensile twinning. The Ti particles contribute to grain refinement, inhibit slip deformation, and promote the occurrence of additional twins within the grains. The second phase, Mg41Nd5, is distributed along the powder boundaries, with dislocation tangles observed within the grains. Twin boundary strengthening is identified as the primary factor for the increased YS in the MDC 6Tip/WE43 composite. Additionally, the MDC 6Tip/WE43 composite demonstrates superior thermal conductivity compared to the MDC WE43 alloy, which is attributed to its less pronounced basal texture. •The addition of Ti particles can promote the occurrence of additional tensile twins.•The enhanced mechanical properties of the deformed 6Tip/WE43 composite results from the twin boundary strengthening.•The 6Tip/WE43 composite possesses greater thermal conductivity while maintaining high strength compared to the WE43 alloy.