Effect of Ni addition on the mechanical and degradation properties of hollow glass microsphere/Mg alloy composites

Magnesium-based degradable alloys and composites have recently gained great attention as promising candidates for the degradable fracturing tools of the unconventional oil and gas development field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ni content on the mechanical properties and degradation behavior of the HGM/Mg alloy degradable composites. The results showed that adding Ni led to the formation of Al3Ni2 intermetallic compound, refined the matrix alloy grain and improved the mechanical properties. The Al3Ni2 phase was distributed in the beta-phase and thereby reducing the function of corrosion barrier of the b phase and promoting the corrosion products to peel off during the degradation process. Meanwhile, Al3Ni2 phase can act as micro-galvanic cathode to accelerate the micro-galvanic corrosion rate. Thus, the degradation rate of the composite was significantly increased. The highest degradation rate (95.6 mg cm(-2) h(-1)) in 3.5 wt% KCl solution at 93 degrees C was obtained in the composite containing 2 wt% Ni, which is 3 times higher than that of the composite without Ni. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effect of Ni content on the mechanical properties and degradation behavior of HGM/Mg alloy degradable composites. The results showed that the addition of Ni improved the mechanical properties but also accelerated the degradation rate of the composite.