Influence of Tungsten Nanoparticles on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al-5%Mg Alloy Produced by Casting

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of tungsten nanoparticles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al-5Mg alloy. Tungsten concentrations of up to 0.5 wt.% led to a slight modification of the Al-5Mg alloy microstructure, and grain refinement occurred due to the inhibition of crystal growth along the boundaries. Dispersion hardening with tungsten nanoparticles made it possible to increase the ultimate strength by the Orowan mechanism with a simultaneous increase in the plasticity of the Al-5Mg alloy. An increase in the tungsten content to 0.8 wt.% made it possible to modify the microstructure of the Al-5Mg alloy, due to the formation of the Al12W phase and an increase in crystallisation centres. The modification of the microstructure, as well as dispersion strengthening by nanoparticles, led to a simultaneous increase in the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility of the Al-5Mg alloy.