The synergistic ability of Al2O3 nanoparticles to enhance mechanical response of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91

AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy nanocomposite containing Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size to the monolithic hybrid alloy, reasonable Al2O3 nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 25% higher hardness than the monolithic hybrid alloy. Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in tension), the nanocomposite synergistically exhibited higher 0.2%TYS, UTS, failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+12%, +7%, +99% and +108%, respectively). Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in compression), the nanocomposite exhibited higher 0.2%CYS and UCS, and lower failure strain and WOF (+5%, +3%, −7% and −7%, respectively). The beneficial effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle addition on the enhancement of tensile and compressive properties of AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy are investigated in this paper.

► Al2O3 nanoparticles were successfully integrated with hybrid magnesium alloy AZ31/AZ91 in extruded form.
► A synergistic enhancement of tensile strength and ductility of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91 was observed.
► An enhancement of compressive strength of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91 was also observed.