The effect of multi-pass friction stir processing on microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of WE43-nHA bio-composite

Abstract

The influence of multiple passes during friction stir processing (FSP) on the evolution of microstructure, hardness, compressive strength, and corrosion behavior of a Mg-based bio-composite has been investigated. WE43 Mg alloy was used as the matrix of the composite and nano-sized hydroxyapatite (nHA) was added as the second material to form the composite. After fabrication of the composite by one pass of FSP, the process was repeated six times. Significant grain refinement and fragmentation of secondary phase particles were observed during FSP. Increasing the number of passes of FSP was found to be associated with pronounced grain refinement coupled with the uniformity in distribution of nHAs. Corrosion resistance is enhanced with an increasing number of FSP passes, which is attributed to the fragmentation and redistribution of secondary phase particles in addition to a homogeneous distribution of nHA.