Tailoring the tensile/compressive response of magnesium alloy ZK60A using Al2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

ZK60A nanocomposites containing Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement were fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion and T5 heat treatment. Agglomeration of Al2O3 nanoparticles was observed in the nanocomposites. However, in the case of ZK60A/1.0 vol%Al2O3 nanocomposite (compared to monolithic ZK60A), increase in tensile strength (up to 14%) without significant decrease in ductility and simultaneous increase in compressive strength (up to 12%) and ductility (+23%) were observed. Here, the strength of ZK60A was increased without significant decrease in ductility. On the other hand, in the case of ZK60A/1.5 vol%Al2O3 nanocomposite (compared to monolithic ZK60A), simultaneous increase in tensile strength (up to 6%) and ductility (+26%), but decrease in compressive strength (up to 40%) with increase in ductility (+43%) were observed. Here, the ductility of ZK60A was significantly increased without significant increase in strength. This tailoring of tensile and compressive properties of ZK60A via integration with Al2O3 nanoparticles are investigated in this article.