Effect of niobium particulate addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of pure magnesium

Magnesium based composites containing 5-15 wt% niobium particulates were synthesized using disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization revealed reasonably uniform distribution of niobium particulates in the matrix with no intermetallics formation, reasonable grain refinement and minimal porosity. Mechanical characterization under tensile loading revealed simultaneous improvement in hardness, 0.2% yield strength and ultimate tensile strength up to 10 wt% Nb, while ductility was compromised beyond 5 wt% niobium particulate addition to pure magnesium. The optimal composition with good combination of strength and ductility is observed at Mg/5 wt% Nb composite while the best improvement in strength and hardness among the composites was observed only for Mg-10 wt% Nb composite.