On the effect of compaction velocity, size, and content of reinforcing particles on corrosion resistance of Mg–B4C composites

Highlights: • Mg–B4Cnp samples had lower corrosion rate compared to Mg–B4Cmp composite samples. • Samples produced at higher strain rates exhibited higher corrosion resistance. • The size and content of the reinforcing particles is directly proportional to the corrosion rate. • Higher grain boundary density and density are primary reasons of improved corrosion properties. In this study, the effect of the compaction velocity as well as the size and volume fraction of the reinforcing particles on the corrosion properties of Mg–B₄C composites were investigated. Micron/nano particles of boron carbide at different volume fractions (0, 5, and 10%) were added to the matrix (magnesium powder). Powder mixtures were milled in a planetary ball mill and compacted at 450 °C and different strain rates, using Split-Hopkinson bar (SHB), drop hammer, and Instron devices. Microstructural analysis and corrosion tests were carried out on the produced samples. The results indicated that the samples produced at higher compaction velocities had the lower corrosion rate mainly due to the lower porosity and higher relative density of the samples. For example, the measured corrosion rates for the magnesium samples reinforced with 5 vol% of micron B₄C particles and compacted by the SHB method were 54 and 76% lower than the similar samples produced by the drop hammer and Instron device, respectively. It was also shown that decreasing the size and content of the reinforcing particles resulted in a reduction in the corrosion rate values. The recorded corrosion rate values for the samples reinforced with 5 and 10 vol% of B₄C nanoparticles and compacted by the drop hammer device were 18.3 and 29.18 mm/year, respectively. These valuses were approximately 16 and 13% lower compared to the similar composites reinforced with micron-sized particles. The lowest corrosion rate (1.84 mm/year) was observed in the pure magnesium sample compacted by the SHB which was 29.42% lower than that of the magnesium sample reinforced with 10 vol% of micron-sized B₄C.