Development of magnesium/(yttria plus nickel) hybrid nanocomposites using hybrid microwave sintering: Microstructure and tensile properties

In the present study, the role of hybrid reinforcement (ceramic + metal) methodology to enhance the tensile response of magnesium is highlighted. Powder metallurgy incorporating microwave sintering was used as the processing technique. Mg/0.7 vol.%Y2O3 nanocomposite was chosen as main reference point based on earlier studies. Nickel nanoparticulates in the range of 0.3-1.0 vol.% were used to hybridize the nanosize Y2O3 reinforcement. Tensile results revealed an increase in 0.2% YS and UTS of Mg/(Y2O3 + Ni) hybrid nanocomposites when compared to pure Mg and Mg/0.7Y(2)O(3). Mg/(0.7Y(2)O(3) + 0.6Ni) nanocomposite showed a simultaneous improvement in both strengths (0.2%YS and UTS) and average ductility when compared to Mg and Mg/0.7Y(2)O(3). Emphasis is placed in this study to highlight the capability of metallic and ceramic hybrid reinforcements to improve overall tensile response of magnesium when used in right amounts. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.