Technical and environmental evaluation of a new high performance material based on magnesium alloy reinforced with submicrometre-sized TiC particles to develop automotive lightweight components and make transport sector more sustainable
Author/s
Ferreira, Victor; Merchán, Mikel; Egizabal, Pedro; García de Cortázar, Maider; Irazustabarrena, Ane; [et al.]Date
2019-05Keywords
Magnesium
Submicrometre
Titanium-carbide
Life-cycle-assessment
CO2 eq emissions
Abstract
This study evaluated the use of submicrometre-sized particles based on titanium carbide from both technical and environmental points of view. The objective was to improve the mechanical properties of the magnesium alloy intended for use in the automotive component industry. To this end, an Al/TiC master compound containing 60 wt.% of TiC was produced through a self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis process and embedded in a magnesium alloy by a mechanical stirring method. The life cycle assessment methodology was then used to evaluate the environmental impact of the manufacturing of the magnesium alloy reinforced with submicrometre-sized particles. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques revealed the nature and purity of the TiC present in the material and revealed particle sizes below submicrometre range (300–500 nm). The incorporation of TiC particles into the magnesium alloy resulted in improvements in yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of more than ...
Type
article