On the role of nano-alumina particulate reinforcements in enhancing the oxidation resistance of magnesium alloy AZ31B

In this paper the intrinsic influence of nano-alumina particulates (0.66 vol.%, 1.11 vol.%, and 1.50 vol.%) on the oxidation behavior of magnesium alloy AZ31B is presented and discussed. The solidification-processed samples subsequent to extrusion were carefully tested under ambient atmospheric conditions at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 470 °C and up to a time period of 7 h. The carefully conducted test results reveal a progressive increase in the oxidation resistance of the AZ31B alloy with an increasing presence of nano-size alumina (Al2O3) particulates. Further, the presence of nano-Al2O3 particulates tended to retard the transient stage of oxidation. Subsequent to oxidation testing, the test samples were characterized for their microstructure to provide an insight into their oxidation behavior.