Simultaneous effect of nano-Al₂O₃ and micrometre Cu particulates on microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy AZ31

Abstract

In the present study, magnesium composites are synthesised through the addition of nano-alumina and micrometre copper particulates in AZ31 magnesium alloy using the technique of disintegrated melt deposition. Nano-alumina and micrometre size copper particulates are known to significantly enhance the ductility and strength of magnesium materials respectively. The simultaneous addition of Cu and nano-Al 2 O 3 particulates led to an overall improvement in both microstructural characteristics in terms of distribution and morphology of intermetallics/particulates and mechanical response of AZ31. The 0·2 yield strength increased from 180 to 300 MPa (67), while the ductility increased by almost 24. The overall tensile properties assessed in terms of work of fracture improved by 66. An attempt is made to correlate the tensile response of composites with their microstructural characteristics. The results suggest that these alloy composites have significant potential in diverse and wider engineering applications when compared to AZ31 alloy.