Preparation and characterization of AZ63A/Boron Nitride composites using hybrid mechanical and ultrasonic assisted stir casting

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is become progressively used in the transportation business because of its low weight. The poorer mechanical properties of magnesium (Mg) compared to aluminium and steel limit its widespread use. Improved mechanical properties can be achieved through grain refinement in cast alloys. Particle substrates can be added to the liquid melt to serve as nucleation sites for the formation and development of grains, resulting in a finer grain size. Mechanical stirring (MS) with impeller is most common technique for dispersing inoculants into the molten metal. However, it is difficult to achieve uniform dispersion of inoculants using this method. Ultrasonic treatment (UST) has also been investigated as an alternative to MS treatment. Particle inoculants BN were studied to see how they would disperse inside the alloy AZ63A Mg in this study. To create the cast composites, either MS or UST were used. Thermal tensile tests and theoretical models were used to determine the mechanical properties of these materials. The UST-treated specimens outperformed the base alloy and the MS-produced samples in terms of mechanical properties. Inoculant dispersion in sonicated samples was shown to be improved due to the use of finer grains, a thermal development discrepancy between the refiner and matrix, and other factors. Using sonication and grain refinement, researchers were able to make a exclusive relationship between theoretic strengthening mechanism forecast models and the actual outcomes they attained. The mechanical properties of Mg alloy can be improved by utilising cutting-edge new technologies, such as UST, in the production of cast alloys.