The opposing nanoscale and macroscale effects of selected nanoparticle addition to AZ91/ZK60A hybrid magnesium alloy

Abstract

B4C and AlN nanoparticles were separately added to solidification processed AZ91/ZK60A hybrid magnesium alloy to improve tensile and compressive properties. In tension, both nanoparticles strengthened the hybrid alloy. However, only B4C nanoparticle addition significantly improved the ductility of the hybrid alloy, while AlN nanoparticle addition slightly decreased the ductility of the hybrid alloy. Comparing both nanocomposites as well as monolithic alloy, there was no significant difference in the grain size or crystallographic texture. However, it was possible that the AlN nanoparticle was more chemically reactive with the alloy matrix compared to the B4C nanoparticle. Also, it was observed that unlike AlN nanoparticle addition, B4C nanoparticle addition enabled the formation of numerous nanoscale stacking faults in the hybrid alloy matrix. Further, it was apparent that the B4C nanoparticle promoted the nanoscale precipitation of Al12Mg17 intermetallic particles (with particle coarsening thereafter), whereas the AlN nanoparticle did not alter the intermetallic precipitation characteristics in the alloy matrix. Consequently, nano/micro-particle induced high strain zone (HSZ) formation during tensile deformation was more pronounced in the AZ91/ZK60A/B4C nanocomposite compared to the AZ91/ZK60A/AlN nanocomposite, rendering the B4C nanoparticle significantly greater capability (compared to the AlN nanoparticle) in enhancing the tensile ductility of the hybrid alloy. The promotion of nanoscale precipitation of Al12Mg17 intermetallic particles (with particle coarsening thereafter) by the B4C nanoparticle also enabled the AZ91/ZK60A/B4C nanocomposite to have significantly higher compressive strength (per strain level during deformation) compared to the AZ91/ZK60A/AlN nanocomposite.