High Performance Mg6Zn Nanocomposites Fabricated through Friction Stir Processing

• Published in: Magnesium Technology 2015 pp. 383 - 386
• Main Authors: Xu, Jiaquan, Cao, Chezheng, Das, Shamiparna, Chen, Lianyi, Ma, Chao, Mishra, Rajiv S., Li, Xiaochun
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 2016
• Subjects: friction stir processing; Mg6Zn nanocomposites; semi-solid mechanical mixing
• ISBN: 331948611X; 9783319486116
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-48185-2_71

Mg-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are expected to provide significant enhancement of properties by introducing thermally stable ceramic nanoparticles into the metal matrix. However, it is extremely difficult to achieve a uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the magnesium matrix for the predicted significant property enhancement. In this study an unprecedented uniform distribution and dispersion of 6 vol.% SiC nanoparticles in Mg6Zn matrix was obtained through a novel scalable processing method that combines semi-solid mechanical mixing and solid-state friction stir processing. The resulting Mg6Zn nanocomposites exhibit tremendous hardness and strength enhancement. The results provide a viable pathway for the development and production of high performance Mg-based nanocomposites for numerous applications.