The effective reinforcement of magnesium alloy ZK60A using Al 2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

ZK60A nanocomposite containing Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement (50 nm average size) was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size to the monolithic alloy, reasonable Al2O3 nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 15% higher hardness than the monolithic alloy. Compared to the monolithic alloy (in tension), the nanocomposite exhibited lower yield strength (0.2%TYS) (-4%) and higher ultimate strength (UTS), failure strain, and work of fracture (WOF) (+13%, +170%, and +200%, respectively). Compared to the monolithic alloy (in compression), the nanocomposite exhibited lower yield strength (0.2%CYS) (-5%) and higher ultimate strength (UCS), failure strain, and WOF (+6%, +41%, and +43%, respectively). The effects of Al2O 3 nanoparticle addition on the enhancement of tensile and compressive properties of ZK60A are investigated in this article. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.