Development and characterization of ductile Mg/Y2O3 nanocomposites

Abstract

Nano-Y2O3 particulates containing ductile magnesium nanocomposites were synthesized using blend-press-sinter powder metallurgy technique followed by hot extrusion. Micro-structural characterization of the nanocomposite samples showed fairly uniform rein-forcement distribution, good reinforcement-matrix interfacial integrity, significant grain refinement of magnesium matrix with increasing presence of reinforcement, and the presence of minimal porosity. Mechanical properties characterization revealed that the presence of nano-Y2O3 reinforcement leads to marginal increases in hardness, 0.2% yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, but a significant increase in ductility and work of fracture of magnesium. The fracture mode was changed from brittle for pure Mg to mix ductile and intergranular in the case of nanocomposites. Copyright © 2007 by ASME.