A novel manufacturing route for production of high-performance metal matrix nanocomposites

Here we report a simple manufacturing method for mass production of high-performance metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) by a combination of a two-step mechanical mixing and hot extrusion. A Mg-based MMNC with 6 vol.% SiC nanoparticles was obtained by this method, which shows 40% enhancement in Young’s modulus, 30% enhancement in yield strength as compared with the pure alloy processed under the same condition. Furthermore, contrary to the severely decreased plastic deformability and machinability in traditional micro particle reinforced metal matrix composites, the Mg-based MMNC obtained here exhibits reasonable plasticity and good machinability.