Enhanced mechanical response of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91 based on the addition of Si3N4 nanoparticles

Abstract

► Si 3 N 4 nanoparticles were successfully integrated with hybrid magnesium alloy AZ31/AZ91 in extruded form. ► A simultaneous enhancement of tensile strength and ductility of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91 was observed. ► An enhancement of compressive strength of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91 was also observed. The main aim of this study was to simultaneously increase tensile strength and ductility of AZ31/AZ91 hybrid magnesium alloy with Si 3 N 4 nanoparticles. AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy nanocomposite containing Si 3 N 4 nanoparticle reinforcement was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size to the monolithic hybrid alloy, reasonable Si 3 N 4 nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 13% higher hardness than the monolithic hybrid alloy. Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in tension), the nanocomposite simultaneously exhibited higher yield strength, ultimate strength, failure strain and work of fracture (+12%, +5%, +64% and +71%, respectively). Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in compression), the nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength and ultimate strength, lower failure strain and higher work of fracture (+35%, +4%, −6% and +6%, respectively). The beneficial effects of Si 3 N 4 nanoparticle addition on the enhancement of tensile and compressive properties of AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy are investigated in this paper.