MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF MAGNESIUM COMPOSITES CONTAINING HYBRID Al2O3 REINFORCEMENT

Improved ductile properties are recently reported in the magnesium composites reinforced with nano-particulates. However, nanocluster formation, stress concentration, and insufficient wet ability restrict the further development of such composites. The present study investigates the feasibility and effect of using hybrid reinforcements for synthesizing magnesium MMCs. Composites were prepared via powder metallurgy using micro-alumina (3%) and varying amounts of nano-Al2O3 (0.5 wt. % & 1 wt. %) powders as hybrid reinforcements and Mg-3Zn-0.7Zr-1Cu alloy as the base matrix. The properties of the extruded samples were examined by conducting metallurgical and mechanical characterization studies. A comparative study of the obtained results was done with micro Al2O3 alone reinforced composite. Results revealed that hybrid composites with 1 % nano Al2O3 had superior properties than micro Al2O3 composite. Reasonably well distributed hybrid reinforcements were also noticed in the metallurgical examination. Hence, the current research suggests the addition of hybrid reinforcements as a means for improving the overall properties of magnesium based materials.