Processing of AZ31 alloy for improving mechanical properties and corrosion resistance using powder metallurgy

ABSTRACT

The present work involves in a novel approach of studying the material characteristics of AZ31 alloy by varying the cooling method in powder metallurgy and particle size of the matrix material. It also has a novel approach of reinforcing AZ31 alloy with quarry dust and providing self oxide coating to the material in a distinct way for corrosion resistance. The alloy is prepared through powder metallurgy with a pressure of 675 MPa, sintered at 540 ºC, with one hour of soaking. The Scanning Electron Microscopy images are taken to analyse the microstructure. Wear and corrosion studies are done to analyse the effect of parameters. Optimisation for wear is also done with Taguchi method. The AZ31 samples reinforced 5, 10 and 15% of quarry dust are prepared and studied for mechanical properties. The material prepared using 75–150 micron range, cooled in still air cooling and with 5% reinforcement has shown higher values of compressive strength and microhardness. The alloy provided with self-oxide coating has shown higher resistance to corrosion than that of uncoated alloy and the composite.

KEYWORDS:

• Magnesium alloy
• Powder metallurgy
• Wear
• Micro hardness
• Quarry dust

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.