Improved hardness characteristics of Mg-3Zn-1Cu-0.7Mn alloy composites reinforced with Al2O3 synthesized by powder metallurgy

Abstract

Abstract A novel composite Mg-3Zn-1Cu-0.7Mn reinforced with Al2O3 particulates was synthesized using the powder metallurgy route and extruded at 400°C. The investigation mainly focuses on the influence of Al2O3 on the hardness characteristics of the composites. The results indicate the microhardness of the composite is enormously enhanced by incorporating the Al2O3 particulates to Mg alloy. The homogeneous distribution of the hard ceramic reinforcement particulates and the presence of intermetallic phases such as Cu5Zn8, MgZnCu, and Al0.93Cu1.07Mg attributed the improved hardness. It is recognized that the stress-relieving process further improves the hardness of the composites. The extrusion parameters also influence the hardness characteristics of the composites.