Strengthening and Toughness of AZ61 Mg with Nano SiO₂ Particles

Abstract

The strengthening mechanisms and bending toughness of the AZ61 Mg based composites reinforced by nano SiO₂ particles are examined. The composites were prepared either by spray forming, ingot metallurgy, or powder metallurgy, followed by severe hot extrusion. The spray formed composites exhibit the best nano particle distribution and toughness, but the volume fraction of the nano particles that can be inserted is limited. The nano composites fabricated through the powder metallurgy method possess the highest strength due to the extra strengthening effect from the MgO phase. Strengthening analysis based on the Orowan strengthening mechanism can predict well the composite strength provided that the nano particles are in reasonably uniform dispersion. For composites containing higher nano particle volume fractions greater than 3%, the experimental strength data fall well below the theoretical predictions, suggesting poor dispersion of the reinforcement.