Exploring a balance between strength and ductility of hexagonal BN nanoplatelet reinforced ZK61 magnesium composite

The practical applications of magnesium(Mg)alloys are usually beset by their relatively low strength and limited ductility.Herein we attempt to fabricate hexagonal BN nanoplatelet(BNNP)reinforced ZK61 magnesium composites using a combination of spark plasma sintering and friction stir processing.The resulting composites exhibit microstructural characteristics of homogeneous dispersion of BNNP in Mg matrix with refined equiaxed grains and(0002)basal texture roughly surrounding the pin column surface.Transmission electron microscopy observation illustrates that trace amounts of Mg_(3)N_(2)and MgB_(2)form at BNNP-Mg interface,in which Mg_(3)N_(2)locates at the basal plane of a BNNP and MgB_(2)grows at its open edge.The spatial distribution of Mg_(3)N_(2)and MgB_(2)facilitates interfacial wetting and stronger BNNP-Mg interface in such a way that interfacial products act as anchors bonding between them.In comparison with monolithic ZK61 alloy,the BNNP/ZK61 composites display simultaneous improvements in yield strength,hardness and ductility,achieving good strength-ductility balance.This research is expected to shed some light on BNNP potentials for designing and producing magnesium composites with high strength and good ductility.

Understanding the corrosion and bio-corrosion behaviour of Magnesium composites – a critical review

Realising the potential of Magnesium(Mg),several globally leading ventures have invested in the Mg industry,but their relatively poor corrosion resistance is a never ending saga till date.The corrosion and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg has gained research attention and still remains a hot topic in the application of automobile,aerospace and biomedical industries.The intrinsic high electrochemical nature of Mg limits their utilization in diverse application.This scenario has prompted the development of Mg composites with an aim to achieve superior corrosion and bio-corrosion resistance.The present review enlightens the influence of grain size(GS),secondary phase,texture,type of matrix and reinforcement on the corrosion and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg composites.Firstly,the corrosion and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg composites manufactured by primary and secondary processing routes are elucidated.Secondly,the comprehensive corrosion and bio-corrosion mechanisms of these Mg composites are proposed.Thirdly,the individual role of GS,texture and corrosive medium on corrosion and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg composites are clarified and revealed.The challenges encountered,unanswered issues in this field are explained in detail and accordingly the scope for future research is framed.The review is presented from basic concrete background to advanced corrosion mechanisms with an aim of creating interest among the readers like students,researchers and industry experts from various research backgrounds.Indeed,the corrosion and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg composites are critically reviewed for the first time to:(i)contribute to the body of knowledge,(ii)foster research and development,(iii)make breakthrough,and(iv)create life changing innovations in the field of Mg composite corrosion.

Bioinspired fish-scale-like magnesium composites strengthened by contextures of continuous titanium fibers:Lessons from nature

Natural fish scales demonstrate outstanding mechanical efficiency owing to their elaborate architectures and thereby may serve as ideal prototypes for the architectural design of man-made materials.Here bioinspired magnesium composites with fish-scale-like orthogonal plywood and double-Bouligand architectures were developed by pressureless infiltration of a magnesium melt into the woven contextures of continuous titanium fibers.The composites exhibit enhanced strength and work-hardening ability compared to those estimated from a simple mixture of their constituents at ambient to elevated temperatures.In particular,the double-Bouligand architecture can effectively deflect cracking paths,alleviate strain localization,and adaptively reorient titanium fibers within the magnesium matrix during the deformation of the composite,representing a successful implementation of the property-optimizing mechanisms in fish scales.The strength of the composites,specifically the effect of their bioinspired architectures,was interpreted based on the adaptation of classical laminate theory.This study may offer a feasible approach for developing new bioinspired metal-matrix composites with improved performance and provide theoretical guidance for their architectural designs.

A review of novel ternary nano-layered MAX phases reinforced AZ91D magnesium composite

In recent decades, the demand for lightweight and high specific strength materials brings about the development of magnesium matrix composites. Different from some traditional binary ceramic particles, such as SiC, Al_(2)O_(3), the novel ternary nano-layered M_(n+1)AX_(n)(MAX)phase carbide or nitride ceramics exhibit metal-like properties and self-lubricate capacity(where “M” is an early transition metal, “A” belongs to the group A element, “X” is C or/and N, and n = 1–3). Ti_(2)AlC, as the representative of the MAX phase, was interestingly introduced into the magnesium matrix. Layered Ti_(2)AlC MAX phased reinforced AZ91D magnesium composites manufactured through the stir casting exhibit sufficient deformation capacity due to unique deformation behaviors of MAX, namely delamination and the formation of kinking band. Further,the Ti_(2)AlC-AZ91D composites exhibit a distinctive characteristic in strengthening mechanism, damping mechanism and tribological capacity due to the other special properties of MAX phase, such as self-lubricated property. Accordingly, to give a comprehensive understanding, we overviewed the fabrication process, microstructural characterization, mechanical properties, damping property and tribological capacity on these composites. In order to understand the A-site effect in MAX phase on the microstructure, we introduced another representative Ti_(3)SiC_(2)MAX phase to explain the interfacial evolution. In addition, due to the high aspect ratio of MAX, MAX particles could be orientationally regulated in Mg matrix by plastic deformation such as hot extrusion. Herein, we discussed the anisotropic mechanical and physical properties of the textured composites produced by hot extrusion. Moreover, the potential applications and future development trends of MAX phases reinforced magnesium matrix composites were also given and prospected.

Magnesium composites with hybrid nano-reinforcements:3D simulation of dynamic tensile response at elevated temperatures

3D numerical simulations of dynamical tensile response of hybrid carbon nanotube(CNT)and SiC nanoparticle reinforced AZ91D magnesium(Mg)based composites considering interface cohesion over a temperature range from 25 to 300℃ were carried out using a 3D representative volume element(RVE)approach.The simulation predictions were compared with the experimental results.It is clearly shown that the overall dynamic tensile properties of the nanocomposites at different temperatures are improved when the total volume fraction and volume fraction ratio of hybrid CNTs to SiC nanoparticles increase.The overall maximum hybrid effect is achieved when the hybrid volume fraction ratio of CNTs to SiC nanoparticles is in the range from 7:3 to 8:2 under the condition of total volume fraction of 1.0%.The composites present positive strain rate hardening and temperature softening effects under dynamic loading at high temperatures.The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Fabrication and performance of 3D co-continuous magnesium composites reinforced with Ti_(2)AlN_(x) MAX phase

Magnesium composites reinforced by N-deficient Ti_(2)AlN MAX phase were first fabricated by non-pressure infiltration of Mg into three-dimensional(3D)co-continuous porous Ti_(2)AlN_(x)(x=0.9,1.0)preforms.The relationship between their mechanical properties and micro-structure is discussed with the assessment of 2D and 3D characterization.X-ray diffraction(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy detected no impurities.The 3D reconstruction shows that the uniformly distributed pores in Ti_(2)AlN_(x) preforms are interconnected,which act as infiltra-tion tunnels for the melt Mg.The compressive yield strength and microhardness of Ti_(2)AlN_(0.9)/Mg are 353 MPa and 1.12 GPa,respectively,which are 8.55%and 6.67%lower than those of Ti_(2)AlN/Mg,respectively.The typical delamination and kink band occurred in Ti_(2)AlN_(x) under compressive and Vickers hardness(V_(H))tests.Owing to the continuous skeleton structure and strong interfacial bonding strength,the crack ini-tiated in Ti_(2)AlN_(x) was blocked by the plastic Mg matrix.This suggests the possibility of regulating the mechanical performance of Ti_(2)AlN/Mg composites by controlling the N vacancy and the hierarchical structure of Ti_(2)AlN skeleton.

Additive manufacturing of magnesium matrix composites: Comprehensive review of recent progress and research perspectives

The magnesium matrix composites(MMCs) formed by introducing reinforcements to magnesium alloys overcome the limitations of the mechanical properties to a certain extent, presenting unique and excellent properties that any component does not have, such as high specific stiffness and specific strength, good dimensional stability, outstanding shock absorption performance, excellent electromagnetic shielding and hydrogen storage characteristics, etc. As an emerging manufacturing technology, additive manufacturing(AM) is based on the design of threedimensional(3D) data model to obtain 3D objects through layer-by-layer processing, which possesses the advantages of short manufacturing cycle, high material utilization rate, high degree of design freedom, excellent mechanical properties and the ability to fabricate complex structural components. Combining the high stiffness and high strength properties of MMCs and the technical advantages of AM forming complex structural parts with high performance, the prepared AM MMCs have huge potential advantages and broad application prospects in new high-tech industries such as automobile, aerospace, consumer electronics and biomedicine, etc. This paper reviews the research progress in the field of AM MMCs, mainly introduces the main AM technologies, including selective laser melting(SLM), electron beam selective melting(EBSM), laser engineered net shaping(LENS) and wire and arc additive manufacturing(WAAM). The formation mechanism and control methods of the typical defects including balling effect, porosity, poor fusion, loss of alloy elements and cracks produced during AM are discussed. The main challenges of AM MMCs are proposed from the aspects of composition design and the preparation of powder raw material. The relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties, corrosion performance and biocompatibility of AM MMCs are elaborated in detail. The application potential of AM MMCs in various fields at present and in the future is introduced. Finally, the development direction and urgent problems to be solved in the AM MMCs are prospected.

Tailoring the texture and mechanical properties of 3%Y_(2)O_(3)p/ZGK200 composites fabricated by unidirectional and cross rolling followed by annealing

3%Y_(2)O_(3)p/ZGK200 composites were subjected to unidirectional rolling(UR)and cross rolling(CR)at 400℃and 350℃followed by annealing at 300℃for 1 h.The microstructure,texture and mechanical properties of rolled and annealed composites were systematically studied.The rolled composites exhibited a heterogeneous microstructure,consisting of deformed grains elongated along rolling direction(RD)and Y_(2)O_(3)particles bands distributed along RD.After annealing,static recrystallization(SRX)occurred and most deformed grains transformed into equiaxed grains.A non-basal texture with two strong T-texture components was obtained after UR while a non-basal elliptical/circle texture with circle multi-peaks was obtained after CR,indicating that rolling path had great influences on texture of the composites.After annealing process,R-texture component disappeared or weakened,as results,a non-basal texture with double peaks tilting from normal direction(ND)to transverse direction(TD)and a more random non-basal texture with circle multi-peaks were obtained for UR and CR composites,respectively.The yield strength of rolled composites after UR showed obvious anisotropy along RD and TD while a low anisotropic yield strength was obtained after CR.Some Y_(2)O_(3)particles broke during rolling.The fracture of the composites was attributed to the existence of Y_(2)O_(3)clusters and interfacial debonding between particles and matrix during tension,as a result,the ductility was not as superior as matrix alloy.

Microstructure,Mechanical Properties and Damping of SiC/Mg97Zn1Y2 Composites

SiC particles were added to the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy to improve its mechanical properties and damping properties.The microstructure,mechanical properties,and strain amplitude dependence of high-damping and high-strength SiC/Mg97Zn1Y2 magnesium matrix composites were analyzed.The strain amplitude-dependent damping of SiC/Mg97Zn1Y2 composites and the effect of SiC on this property were discussed herein.In anelastic damping,the strain amplitude-dependent damping curves of the composites were mainly divided into two sections,dominated by the G-L model.When the strain amplitude reaches a certain value,the dislocation motion inside the matrix becomes complicated.Moreover,the damping of the material could not be explained using the G-L model,and a new damping model related to microplastic deformation was proposed.In the anelastic damping stage,with the increase in the amount of the added SiC particles,the damping performance first increases and then decreases.Moreover,the damping value of the composite material is larger than that of the matrix alloy.In the microplastic deformation stage,the damping properties of the composites and matrix alloys considerably increase with the strain amplitude.

Effect of applied pressure on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Y quasicrystal-reinforced AZ91D magnesium matrix composites prepared by squeeze casting

The Mg-Zn-Y quasicrystal-reinforced AZ91 D magnesium matrix composites were prepared by squeeze casting process. The effects of applied pressure on microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that squeeze casting process is an effective method to refine the grain. The composites are mainly composed of α-Mg, β-Mg17Al12 and Mg3Zn6Y icosahedral quasicrystal phase（I-phase）. With the increase of applied pressure, the contents of β-Mg17Al12 phase and Mg3Zn6 Y quasicrystal particles increase, further matrix grain refinement occurs and coarse dendritic α-Mg transforms into equiaxed grain structure. The composite exhibits the maximum ultimate tensile strength and elongation of 194.3 MPa and 9.2% respectively when the applied pressure is 100 MPa, and a lot of dimples appear on the tensile fractography. Strengthening mechanisms of quasicrystal-reinforced AZ91 D magnesium matrix composites are chiefly fine-grain strengthening and quasicrystal particles strengthening.

Creep mechanism and creep constitutive model of aluminum silicate short-fiber-reinforced magnesium matrix composite

By the constant stress tensile creep test method, creep tests were performed on aluminum silicate short fiber-reinforced AZ91D magnesium matrix composite with volume fraction of 30% and its matrix alloy AZ91D under different temperatures and stresses. The results indicate that the composite and the matrix have the same true stress exponent and true activation energy for creep, which are 3 and 144.63 kJ/mol, respectively. The creep of the composite is controlled by the creep of its matrix, which is mainly the controlling of viscous slip of dislocation, and the controlling of grain boundary slippage as a supplement. The creep constitutive model obtained from the experiment data can well describe the creep deformation pattern of the composite.

Magnesium matrix composites for biomedical applications:A review

In recent years,a new wave of bioactive,biocompatibility and biodegradable metallic materials were developed for orthopedic applications.Pure Magnesium,Magnesium alloys,Magnesium alloy-based composites are extensive material to the biomedical applications,by virtue of its high biocompatibility and reasonable strength.Pure magnesium,Magnesium alloys can corrode too fast during the physiological conditions and loses their properties before bone heal.The new era for the development of magnesium-based composites can satisfy the orthopedic applications.Magnesium-based composites,as bio-materials,can produce adjustable mechanical properties like Ultimate tensile strength,ductility,elastic modulus,and corrosion resistance in the physiological conditions.In the Mg based composites,the matrix materials are biomedical magnesium alloys base like Mg-Ca,Mg-Al,Mg-Zn,and Mg-REE alloy and The reinforcements are based on hydroxyapatite(HAP),calcium polyphosphate(CPP),andβ-tricalcium phosphate(β-TCP)particles.This comprehensive review is focused on different grades of biodegradable magnesium matrix composites including their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Mechanical characteristics of biodegradable magnesium matrix composites:A review

In recent years,a new generation of biodegradable metallic materials,magnesium alloys,has been called a revolutionary material for biomedical applications(i.e.in orthopedics applications as a bone-implant material),thanks to the reasonable strength(similar to bone tissue,compared to available metallic alloys)and high biocompatibility of magnesium and its alloys.However,pure magnesium can corrode too quickly in the physiological pH(7.4–7.6)and high chloride environment of the physiological system and therefore lose their mechanical integrity before tissues have sufficiently.Engineering approach to this challenge(high corrosion rate of Mg)can be(i)alloying of element additions,(ii)surface treatment and(iii)development of metal(magnesium)matrix composites(MMCs).Magnesium-based composites,as bio-materials,can provide a combination of unique characteristics including adjustable mechanical properties(i.e.tensile strength,elastic modulus,ductility)and corrosion resistance.This is the main advantage of magnesium-based composites as compared with alloying and surface treatment approaches.Here,the matrix materials are biomedical magnesium alloys based on Mg–Zn,Mg–Ca and Mg–REE alloy systems(REE stands for rare earth elements including yttrium,Y,cerium,Ce,lanthanum,La).The reinforcement phases are mainly based on hydroxyapatite(HAP),calcium polyphosphate(CPP),andβ-tricalcium phosphate(β-TCP)particles,and hybrid HAP+β-TCP particles.In this paper a comprehensive review is provided on different grades of biodegradable magnesium matrix composites,with focus on their mechanical properties.

Tensile,compressive and wear behaviour of self-lubricating sintered magnesium based composites

The graphite （Gr）/MoS2 reinforced Mg self-lubricating composites were prepared through powder metallurgy. The composites were characterized for microstructure, physical, mechanical and wear properties. Gr/MoS2 phase in the composites was identified by XRD analysis. Microstructural observation showed that the Gr/MoS2 particles were homogeneously dispersed within the magnesium matrix. Micro-hardness was measured using an applied load of 5 g with a dwell time of 15 s at room temperature. Hardness of all the composites was measured to be in the range of VHN 29？34. The mechanical properties were studied using micro-hardness, tensile and compression tests. A fractographic analysis was performed using scanning electron microscope. The highest values of hardness, compressive strength and tensile strength were attained using Mg-10MoS2 composite. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to measure the friction coefficient and the wear loss of the sintered composites. In addition to that, the friction and wear mechanism of the composites were systematically studied by worn surface characterization and wear debris studies using SEM analysis. The reduced friction coefficient and wear loss were achieved in MoS2 rather than Gr.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of titanium-reinforced magnesium matrix composites: Review and perspective

Currently, many gratifying signs of progress have been made in magnesium(Mg) matrix composites(MMCs) by virtue of their high mechanical properties both at room and elevated temperatures. Although the commonly used reinforcements in MMCs are ceramic particles,they often provide improved yield and ultimate stresses by a significant loss in ductility. Therefore, hard metallic phases were introduced as alternative candidates for the manufacturing of MMCs, especially titanium(Ti). It has a high melting point, high Young’s modulus, high plasticity, low level of mutual solubility with Mg matrix, and closer thermal expansion coefficient to that of Mg metal than that of ceramic particles. It is highly preferable to provide both high ultimate stress and ductility in Mg matrix. However, many critical challenges for the fabrication of Ti-reinforced MMCs remain, such as Ti’s homogeneity, low recovery rate, and the optimization of interfacial bonding strength between Mg and Ti, etc. Meanwhile, different fabrication methods have various effects on the microstructures, mechanical properties, and the interfacial strength of Ti-reinforced MMCs. Hence, this review placed emphasis on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Ti-reinforced MMCs fabricated by different techniques. The influencing factors that govern the strengthening mechanisms were systematically compared and discussed. Future research trends, key issues, and prospects were also proposed to develop Ti-reinforced MMCs.

Assessment of Ti-6Al-4V particles as a reinforcement for AZ31 magnesium alloy-based composites to boost ductility incorporated through friction stir processing

Poor ductility is the primary concern of magnesium matrix composites(MMCs)inflicted by non-deformable ceramic particle reinforcements.Metal particles which melt at elevated temperature can be used as reinforcement to improve the deformation characteristics.Ti-6Al-4V particles reinforced AZ31 MMCs were produced through friction stir processing(FSP)which was carried out in a traditional vertical milling machine.The microstructural features as well as the response to external tensile load were explored.A homogenous distribution of Ti-6Al-4V was achieved at every part of the stir zone.There was no chemical decomposition of Ti-6Al-4V.Further,Ti-6Al-4V did not react with Al and Zn present in AZ31 alloy to form new compounds.A continuous strong interface was obtained around Ti-6Al-4V particle with the matrix.Ti-6Al-4V particles underwent breakage during processing due to severe plastic strain.There was a remarkable refinement of grains in the composite caused by dynamic recrystallization in addition to the pinning of smaller size broken particles.Dense dislocations were observed in the matrix because of plastic deformation and the associated strain misfit.Ti-6Al-4V particles improved the tensile behavior and assisted to obtain appreciable deformation before fracture.Brittle mode of failure was avoided.

Damage prediction for magnesium matrix composites formed by liquid-solid extrusion process based on finite element simulation

A damage prediction method based on FE simulation was proposed to predict the occurrence of hot shortness crocks and surface cracks in liquid-solid extrusion process. This method integrated the critical temperature criterion and Cockcroft ＆ Latham ductile damage model, which were used to predict the initiation of hot shortness cracks and surface cracks of products, respectively. A coupling simulation of deformation with heat transfer as well as ductile damage was carried out to investigate the effect of extrusion temperature and extrusion speed on the damage behavior of Csf/AZ91D composites. It is concluded that the semisolid zone moves gradually toward deformation zone with the punch descending. The amplitude of the temperature rise at the exit of die from the initial billet temperature increases with the increase of extrusion speed during steady-state extrusion at a given punch displacement. In order to prevent the surface temperature of products beyond the incipient melting temperature of composites, the critical extrusion speed is decreased with the increase of extrusion temperature, otherwise the hot shortness cracks will occur. The maximum damage values increase with increasing extrusion speed or extrusion temperature. Theoretical results obtained by the Deform^TM-2D simulation agree well with the experiments.

Processing,microstructure and mechanical properties of bimodal size SiCp reinforced AZ31B magnesium matrix composites

The bimodal size SiC particulates(SiCp)reinforced magnesium matrix composites with different ratios of micron SiCp and nano SiCp(M-SiCp:N-SiCp=14.5:0.5,14:1,and 13.5:1.5)were prepared by semisolid stirring assisted ultrasonic vibration method.The AZ31B alloy and all as-cast SiCp/AZ31B composites were extruded at 350℃ with the ratio of 12:1.Microstructural characterization of the extruded M14+N1(M-SiCp:N-SiCp=14:1)composite revealed the uniform distribution of bimodal size SiCp and significant grain refinement.Optical Microscopy(OM)observation showed that,compared with the M14.5+N0.5(M-SiCp:N-SiCp=14.5:0.5)composite,there are more recrystallized grains in M14+N1(M-SiCp:N-SiCp=14:1)and M13.5+N1.5(M-SiCp:N-SiCp=13.5:1.5)composites,but in comparison to the M13.5+N1.5 composite,the average grain size of the M14+N1 composite is slightly decreased.The evaluation of mechanical properties indicated that the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the M14+N1 composite were obviously increased compared with other composites.

Determining the microstructure and properties of magnesium aluminum composite panels by hot rolling and annealing

The researchers made magnesium aluminum composite panels by asymmetric metal packaging and studied rolling temperature,holding time,and high temperature heat treatment,such as short time and low temperatures over long periods of time parameters under the new preparation method.We tested the new magnesium aluminum composite panels’tensing properties and bending performance by using scanning electric mirror and EDS.It is concluded that the new magnesium aluminum composite panels’elongation is 24%under the tensile strength of 260 MPa.Regarding performance when compared with other methods,traditional magnesium aluminum composite panels’elongation is 10%,which shows its advanced nature.At the same time,bending performance test showed that the combination of the composite board has higher performance,offering the reference value for the preparation of magnesium–aluminum composite plate.

Influence of processing route on microstructure and wear resistance of fly ash reinforced AZ31 magnesium matrix composites

Utilizing fly ash(FA)as reinforcement for magnesium matrix composites(MMCs)brings down the production cost and the land pollution.Magnesium alloy AZ31 was reinforced with FA particles(10 vol.%)successfully by two different processing methods namely conventional stir casting and friction stir processing(FSP).The microstructural features were observed using optical microscope,scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction.The sliding wear behavior was tested using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus.The stir cast composite showed inhomogeneous particle dispersion and coarse grain structure.Some of the FA particles decomposed and reacted with the matrix alloy to produce undesirable compounds.Conversely,FSP composite showed superior particle dispersion and fine,equiaxed grains by dynamic recrystallization.FA particles encountered disintegration but there was no interfacial reaction.FSP composite demonstrated higher strengthening and wear resistance to that of stir cast composite.The morphology of the worn surface and the wear debris were studied in detail.