Enhanced mechanical response of magnesium alloy ZK60A containing Si3N4 nanoparticles

ZK60A Nanocomposite containing Si3N4 nanoparticles was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The ZK60A nanocomposite exhibited smaller grain size than monolithic ZK60A, significantly reduced presence of intermetallic phase, reasonable Si3N4 nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 12% lower hardness than monolithic ZK60A. Compared to monolithic ZK60A (in tension), the ZK60A nanocomposite simultaneously exhibited higher 0.2% TYS, UTS, failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+21%, +17%, +85% and +119%, respectively). Also, compared to monolithic ZK60A (in compression), the ZK60A nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% CYS (−33%) and higher UCS, failure strain and WOF (+16%, +53% and +48%, respectively). The effect of adding Si3N4 nanoparticles on the enhanced tensile and compressive response of ZK60A is investigated in this paper.