Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg/2 wt.%SiCp Nanocomposite Fabricated by ARB Process

Abstract

Magnesium matrix nanocomposites (MMNC, the same below) containing 2 wt.% nanosized SiCp were fabricated through accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg/2 wt.%SiCp nanocomposites are reported for various ARB cycles. To evaluate microstructure of the nanocomposites, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were applied. After fourteen ARB cycles, the nanocomposite showed a homogeneous distribution of reinforcements and a significant reduction in average matrix grain size. Meanwhile, the nanocomposite revealed a higher percentage of recrystallization and lower intensity of basal texture as compared to monolithic Mg. Mechanical properties were investigated through tensile and microhardness tests. The strength and elastic modulus and microhardness of Mg/2 wt.%SiCp were found to be improved significantly from eight ARB cycles and reach maximum values at fourteen ARB cycles. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, microhardness, and elastic modulus of Mg/2 wt.%SiCp are considerably increased by 17.6%, 61.0%, 72.7%, and 80.8% as compared to raw Mg, respectively.