Mechanical properties and corrosion study of Mg-8Zn-0.5Zr magnesium matrix composites reinforced by nano-Al modified Ti particles

• Compared to the ZK80 , the YS, UTS, and EL of the Al@TiP/ZK80 composites were enhanced by 17%, 12%, and 23%, respectively, successfully achieving a synergistic optimization of strength and plasticity. • The Ti₃Al and TiZn₂ phases, formed via in-situ reactions, enhanced interfacial bonding strength and facilitated the transfer of load from the matrix to the reinforcing particles. • Compared to the corrosion current density of the TiP/ZK80 composites (451 μA/cm²), that of the Al@TiP/ZK80 composites was reduced by 52%. • The Ti₃Al interfacial layer attenuated the micro-galvanic effect, while the Al₂O₃ and Al(OH)₃ corrosion products filled the pores within the Mg(OH)₂ layer, forming a dense barrier that inhibited the ingress of Cl⁻ ions. To synergistically enhance the strength, plasticity, and corrosion resistance of particle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites (MMCs), this study employed the electro-explosion deposition method to modify the surface of Ti particles with nano-Al, and prepared Al@Ti particle-reinforced ZK80 (Mg-8Zn-0.5Zr) MMCs. The results indicate that the Al@Tip/ZK80 composites exhibits excellent mechanical properties. Compared with ZK80, its yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation are increased by 17%, 12%, and 23% respectively. The strengthening mechanism is that the Ti₃Al phase formed in-situ by the modified layer during the melting process enhances the interfacial bonding. Meanwhile, the Al@Tip/ZK80 composite demonstrates superior corrosion resistance. Compared with Tip/ZK80, the hydrogen evolution amount is reduced by 67%, and the corrosion current density is decreased to 213 µA/cm², a reduction of 52%. This work achieved the simultaneous improvement of strength, plasticity, and corrosion resistance by regulating the Ti/Mg interface, providing a new strategy to address the micro-galvanic effect in MMCs.