Evaluation of microstructure and properties of AZ31/Al₂O₃ composites prepared by solid-phase synthesis

ABSTRACT

Solid-phase synthesis was used to prepare AZ31/Al₂O₃ composites and the effect of Al₂O₃ particles on its microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. The composites were characterised by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vickers hardness tester and electron universal strength tester. The results show that the grains of the composites are significantly refined and the mechanical properties increase obviously. While the content of Al₂O₃ particles is 2 wt-%, the hardness, ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure reach the maximum of 85HV, 308 MPa, 6.83%, respectively. The addition of Al₂O₃ particles promotes the dynamic recrystallisation.

KEYWORDS:

• AZ31magnesium alloy
• solid-phase synthesis
• microstructure evaluation
• mechanical property

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51404082]; Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province [grant number E201442]; Harbin Special Funds for Creative Talents in Science and Technology [grant number 2013RFQXJ137]; Science Funds for the Young Innovative Talents of HUST [grant number No. 201510]; Foundation of Educational Committee of Heilongjiang Province [grant number 12531116].