Large strain hardening of magnesium containing in situ nanoparticles

Abstract

In this work, in situ magnesium-based composite composed of nanoscale magnesium oxide (MgO), prepared by spark plasma sintering, shows significant plasticity and high strain hardening. During the strain-hardening stage, the incremental work-hardening exponent shows drastic fluctuations due to the pile-up and release of dislocations. The dislocation pile-up at the interface makes it possible to form dislocation cells. Mixed dislocations can be generated within the cells surrounding the MgO particles, which can interact with the stress field and effectively hinder the movement of dislocations, leading to an increase in dislocation density. What is more, grain boundaries have higher elastic modulus and hardness, which may lead to the appearance of microcracks and eventually intergranular fractures. Our results may shed some light on understanding the role of MgO particles in influencing the mechanical properties of Mg alloys and Mg-based composites, especially in work hardening.