Mechanical and wear properties of Mg/Mo nanocomposites

Abstract

This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and wear behaviour of magnesium/nano-molybdenum composites synthesized using microwave assisted powder metallurgy technique. Effects of varying amount of nano-sized molybdenum particles on magnesium matrix were studied. Microstructural studies of extruded nanocomposites exhibited a reasonably uniform distribution of molybdenum particles with the presence of minor clusters. Mechanical characterization of Mg/Mo nanocomposites showed improved hardness, tensile and compressive strengths while failure strain of magnesium matrix was adversely affected. Tensile fractured surfaces displayed the presence of micropores and microcracks while compressive fractured samples showed shear band formation. Results of sliding wear tests revealed that the increasing presence of nano Mo reinforcement reduced the wear rate. Worn surface of the composite specimens after the wear tests showed abrasion, delamination, oxidation, and adhesion as primary wear mechanisms.