Enhancing compressive response of AZ31B using nano-Al2O3 and copper additions

In the present study, new light weight nano-composites (AZ31B–3.3Al2O3–Cu) based on magnesium alloy AZ31B are developed using disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies revealed grain refinement and significant increase in amount of second phases as a result of increasing presence of copper. All the samples exhibited minimal porosity and good matrix-second phase interfacial integrity. The results also showed that addition of both nano-Al2O3 and Cu led to a simultaneous improvement in 0.2% yield compressive strength (0.2%YCS), ultimate compressive strength (UCS) and work of fracture (WoF) of the AZ31B magnesium alloy while failure strain was marginally affected. The results of this study clearly illustrate the capability of AZ31B–Al2O3–Cu formulations to exhibit superior mechanical properties when compared to pure AZ31B alloy making them potential candidates as structural materials for weight critical engineering applications.