Mechanical Behavior Enhancement of AM60/Al₂O_3p Magnesium Metal–Matrix Nanocomposites by ECAE

Abstract

The effect of equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) on the mechanical behavior of AM60/Al₂O_3p magnesium metal–matrix nanocomposites was investigated. ECAE is a useful technique to produce bulk nanostructured materials through severe plastic deformation. The present magnesium metal–matrix composites (Mg MMCs) with 1 wt% nanosized Al₂O₃ particles for ECAE were fabricated using stir-casting method. The significantly enhanced mechanical behavior of AM60/Al₂O_3p magnesium metal–matrix nanocomposites at room temperature, for instance, yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and ductility, can be obtained after ECAE process. The AM60/Al₂O_3p MMC after 4 passes of ECAE exhibited greater YS, UTS, and ductility (+135%, +107%, and +245% increase, respectively) than those of as-cast AM60. Experimental results show that the AM60/1wt %Al₂O_3p MMC after 4 passes of ECAE exhibits the superior mechanical behavior.

Keywords:

• ECAE
• Extrusion
• Magnesium alloy
• Metal–matrix composites
• Microstructure
• Nanocomposites
• Nanoparticles
• Nanosized aluminum oxide
• Tensile