Characteristics performance evaluation of AZ91-fly ash composite developed by vacuum associated stir processing

Abstract

ABSTRACT The AZ91 class magnesium alloy was familiar with automotive, aviation, and marine applications due to its uniqueness of being lightweight, high strength, good fracture toughness, better dynamic stability, and good castability behaviours. The novel research aims to enhance the AZ91 alloy composite by adapting fly ash (FA) nanoparticles as 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%, respectively, and made by using a vacuum liquid stir casting process under constant stir speed. Influences of FA on micro-structural, physical (density/porosity), mechanical (hardness, impact toughness, tensile stress) and corrosion behaviour of AZ91 alloy nanocomposite were investigated. The composite with 10 wt% FA exposed excellent particle dispersion, better Vickers hardness of 95.4HV, good toughness value of 20.6J/mm2, superior tensile stress of 276MPa, and least corrosion rate of 3.81 mm/year. The optimum characteristics of FANC4 (AZ91/10 wt% FA) are suggested for automotive structural (seat and roof frame) applications.