Si3N4 Nanoparticle Addition to Concentrated Magnesium Alloy AZ81 : Enhanced Tensile Ductility and Compressive Strength

Abstract EN

This study is aimed at understanding the tensile ductility and compressive strength-enhancing dual function of nanoparticles in a concentrated magnesium alloy (AZ81) nanocomposite.

Si3N4 nanoparticles were selected for reinforcement purposes due to the known affinity between magnesium and nitrogen.

AZ81 magnesium alloy was reinforced with Si3N4 nanoparticles using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion.

The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size and hardness to the monolithic alloy, reasonable nanoparticle distribution, and nondominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction.

Compared to the monolithic alloy in tension, the nanocomposite exhibited higher failure strain (+23%) without significant compromise in strength, and higher energy absorbed until fracture (EA) (+27%).

Compared to the monolithic alloy in compression, the nanocomposite exhibited similar failure strain (+3%) with significant increase in strength (up to +20%) and higher EA (+24%).

The beneficial effects of Si3N4 nanoparticle addition on tensile ductility and compressive strength dual enhancement of AZ81 alloy are discussed in this paper.