Elevated-temperature properties evaluation of Mg-intermetallic laminated composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Mg-intermetallic laminated composites were fabricated using Mg sheets and Cu foils. The final microstructure of the composites consisted of alternating layers of unreacted magnesium and intermetallics. The mechanical response of the fabricated composites and pure magnesium was investigated under different loading directions by tensile and three-point bending tests at 20, 100, 150, 200 and 250°C. The fracture surfaces of the specimens after tensile and three-point bending tests were jagged, and cracks were spread mainly perpendicular to the layers of intermetallics. No cracks were observed along the Mg/intermetallic interfaces in any of the composites tested at any temperature. All composites tested at room temperature and elevated temperatures had higher yield strength, higher tensile strength, and higher flexural strength than pure magnesium tested under the same conditions. The laminated Mg-intermetallic composites could be an interesting alternative to the currently used magnesium alloys applied at elevated temperatures.