Mechanical property retention in remelted microparticle to nanoparticle AZ31/Al2O3 composites

In this work, three AZ31/Al2O3 composites were synthesized and remelted using the disintegrated melt deposition solidification processing technique. Al2O3 particles of 50 nm, 300 nm and 1000 nm sizes were individually used to formulate the composites of 1.5 vol%, 5.0 vol% and 10.0 vol% reinforcement content, respectively. In each case after extrusion, the change in microstructure and mechanical properties before and after remelting was not significant. Given the strong affinity Mg has for oxygen from the Al2O3 particle, the insignificant change in mechanical properties indicated the friendly nature of AZ31/Al2O3 composites towards initial remelting. In particular, compared to the submicron and micron particle reinforced composites of limited tensile ductility, the nanoparticle reinforced composite retained its significantly higher tensile ductility (up to +400% more) after the initial remelting.

Research highlights▶ Remelting of AZ31/Al2O3 composites across micro to nano reinforcement size. ▶ Retention of microstructure in AZ31/Al2O3 nanocomposite after remelting. ▶ Retention of strength and ductility in AZ31/Al2O3 nanocomposite after remelting.