Improving the mechanical reliability of cryomilled Al-Mg alloy using a two-stage spark plasma sintering cycle

Dense bimodal-grained aluminum magnesium alloys were produced by spark plasma sintering of cryomilled powders. The use of a two-stage sintering cycle did not induce grain growth or influence the hardness and flexural strength, but doubled the fracture strength distribution statistic (Weibull modulus) from 13 to 25. The increased duration of the second hold (from 5 to 20 min) marginally increased the Weibull Modulus, from 23 to 25. (C) 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.