Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Characterization and strengthening mechanism of SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composite fabricated by ultrasonic vibration assisted squeeze casting

  • Article
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composite was fabricated by ultrasonic vibration assisted squeeze casting. Since ultrasonic device could meet the use requirements according to theoretic calculation, uniform dispersion of SiC nanoparticles was expected to achieve. The grains of the composite were refined compared with the AZ91 alloy, which was related to the increase of nucleation sites during solidification and Zenner pinning effect caused by SiC nanoparticles. With increasing the ultrasonic power, grain size of the composite changed no obviously while the morphology of β-Mg17Al12 phase was significantly affected. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation to fracture of the composites fabricated under different ultrasonic powers were simultaneously improved compared with the AZ91 alloy. The increase of yield strength could be attributed to Hall–Petch strengthening and Orowan strengthening for the present composites. Theoretical value of the yield strength obtained by the square root method was close to the experimental value.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

FIG. 1
FIG. 2
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
FIG. 7
FIG. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. D. Yu, D. Zhang, J. Sun, Y. Luo, J. Xu, H. Zhang, and F. Pan: Improving mechanical properties of ZM61 magnesium alloy by aging before extrusion. J. Alloys Compd. 690, 553 (2017).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Q. Chen, B.G. Yuan, G.Z. Zhao, D.Y. Shu, C.K. Hu, Z.D. Zhao, and Z.X. Zhao: Microstructural evolution during reheating and tensile mechanical properties of thixoforged AZ91D-RE magnesium alloy prepared by squeeze casting–solid extrusion. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 537, 25 (2012).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. C. Xu, T. Nakata, X.G. Qiao, M.Y. Zheng, K. Wu, and S. Kamado: Ageing behavior of extruded Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr (wt%) alloy containing LPSO phase and γ′ precipitates. Sci. Rep. 7, 43391 (2017).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Q. Chen, Z. Zhao, D. Shu, and Z. Zhao: Microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy prepared by compound extrusion. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 528, 3930 (2011).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. K.K. Deng, J.C. Li, F.J. Xu, and K.B. Nie: Hot deformation behavior and processing maps of fine-grained SiCp/AZ91 composite. Mater. Des. 67, 72 (2015).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. H.Z. Ye and X.Y. Liu: Review of recent studies in magnesium matrix composites. J. Mater. Sci. 39 (20), 6153 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. L. Chen, J. Xu, H. Choi, M. Pozuelo, X. Ma, S. Bhowmick, J. Yang, S. Mathaudhu, and X. Li: Processing and properties of magnesium containing a dense uniform dispersion of nanoparticles. Nature 528, 539 (2015).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. C.S. Goh, J. Wei, L.C. Lee, and M. Gupta: Development of novel carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium nanocomposites using the powder metallurgy technique. Nanotechnology 17, 1 (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Y.L. Xi, D.L. Chai, W.X. Zhang, and J.E. Zhou: Ti–6Al–4V particle reinforced magnesium matrix composite by powder metallurgy. Mater. Lett. 59, 1831 (2005).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Y. Yao and L. Chen: Processing of B4C particulate-reinforced magnesium-matrix composites by metal-assisted melt infiltration technique. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 30, 661 (2014).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. M. Azizieh, A.H. Kokabi, and P. Abachi: Effect of rotational speed and probe profile on microstructure and hardness of AZ31/Al2O3 nanocomposites fabricated by friction stir processing. Mater. Des. 32, 2034 (2011).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. H. Dieringa: Properties of magnesium alloys reinforced with nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes: A review. J. Mater. Sci. 46, 289 (2011).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. X.J. Wang, X.S. Hu, K. Wu, M.Y. Zheng, L. Zheng, and Q.J. Zhai: The interfacial characteristic of SiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix composites fabricated by stir casting. J. Mater. Sci. 44, 2759 (2009).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. M. Karbalaei Akbari, H.R. Baharvandi, and K. Shirvanimoghaddam: Tensile and fracture behavior of nano/micro TiB2 particle reinforced casting A356 aluminum alloy composites. Mater. Des. 66, 150 (2015).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. M. Gupta and W.L.E. Wong: Magnesium-based nanocomposites: Lightweight materials of the future. Mater. Charact. 105, 30 (2015).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. J. Lan, Y. Yang, and X. Li: Microstructure and microhardness of SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium composites fabricated by ultrasonic method. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 386, 284 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. K.B. Nie, X.J. Wang, K. Wu, X.S. Hu, and M.Y. Zheng: Development of SiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix nanocomposites using ultrasonic vibration. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 540, 123 (2012).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. M.J. Shen, X.J. Wang, M.F. Zhang, X.S. Hu, M.Y. Zheng, and K. Wu: Fabrication of bimodal size SiCp reinforced AZ31B magnesium matrix composites. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 601, 58 (2014).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. H.L. Shi, X.J. Wang, C.L. Zhang, C.D. Li, C. Ding, K. Wu, and X.S. Hu: A novel melt processing for Mg matrix composites reinforced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 32, 1303 (2016).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. H. Hu: Squeeze casting of magnesium alloys and their composites. J. Mater. Sci. 33, 1579 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. M. Zhou, H. Hu, N. Li, and J. Lo: Microstructure and tensile properties of squeeze cast magnesium alloy AM50. J. Mater. Eng. Perform. 14, 539 (2005).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. A. Ramirez, M. Qian, B. Davis, T. Wilks, and D.H. StJohn: Potency of high-intensity ultrasonic treatment for grain refinement of magnesium alloys. Scr. Mater. 59, 19 (2008).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. G.I. Eskin: Ultrasonic Treatment of Light Alloy Melts (Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, Amsterdam, 1998); pp. 135–240.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  24. J. Li, T. Momono, Y. Tayu, and Y. Fu: Application of ultrasonic treating to degassing of metal ingots. Mater. Lett. 62, 4152 (2008).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. K. Chen, Z.Q. Li, H.Z. Zhou, and W.K. Wang: Influence of high intensity ultrasonic vibration on microstructure of in situ synthesized Mg2Si/Mg composite. Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. China 17, 391 (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  26. M.P. De Cicco, L.S. Turng, X. Li, and J.H. Perepezko: Nucleation catalysis in aluminum alloy A356 using nanoscale inoculants. Metall. Mater. Trans. A 42, 2323 (2011).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. E. Nes, N. Ryum, and O. Hunderi: On the zener drag. Acta Metall. 33, 11 (1985).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. J.Q. Xu, L.Y. Chen, H. Choi, and X.C. Li: Theoretical study and pathways for nanoparticle capture during solidification of metal melt. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 24, 255304 (2012).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Z.H. Wang, X.D. Wang, Y.X. Zhao, and W.B. Du: SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composites fabricated by ultrasonic method. Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. China 20, 1029 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. P. Cao, Q. Ma, and D.H. StJohn: Effect of manganese on grain refinement of Mg–Al based alloys. Scr. Mater. 54, 1853 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Q. Chen, J. Lin, D. Shu, C. Hu, Z. Zhao, F. Kang, S. Huang, and B. Yuan: Microstructure development, mechanical properties and formability of Mg–Zn–Y–Zr magnesium alloy. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 554, 129 (2012).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. C. Xu, T. Nakata, X. Qiao, M. Zheng, K. Wu, and S. Kamado: Effect of LPSO and SFs on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg–Gd–Y–Zn–Zr alloy. Sci. Rep. 7, 40846 (2017).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Z. Zhang and D.L. Chen: Consideration of Orowan strengthening effect in particulate-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites: A model for predicting their yield strength. Scr. Mater. 54, 1321 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. I. Shao, P.M. Vereecken, C.L. Chien, P.C. Searson, and R.C. Cammarata: Synthesis and characterization of particle-reinforced Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposites. J. Mater. Res. 17, 1412 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. S.F. Hassan, M.J. Tan, and M. Gupta: High-temperature tensile properties of Mg/Al2O3 nanocomposite. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 486, 56 (2008).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Z. Zhang and D.L. Chen: Contribution of Orowan strengthening effect in particulate-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 483–484, 148 (2008).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. G. Cao, J. Kobliska, H. Konishi, and X. Li: Tensile properties and microstructure of SiC nanoparticle–reinforced Mg–4Zn alloy fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation–based solidification processing. Metall. Mater. Trans. A 39, 880 (2008).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Q. Chen, D. Shu, C. Hu, Z. Zhao, and B. Yuan: Grain refinement in an as-cast AZ61 magnesium alloy processed by multi-axial forging under the multitemperature processing procedure. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 541, 98 (2012).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. G. Cao, H. Choi, J. Oportus, H. Konishi, and X. Li: Study on tensile properties and microstructure of cast AZ91D/AlN nanocomposites. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 494, 127 (2008).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. A. Sanaty-Zadeh: Comparison between current models for the strength of particulate-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites with emphasis on consideration of Hall–Petch effect. Mater. Sci. Eng., A 531, 112 (2012).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. L.H. Dai, Z. Ling, and Y.L. Bai: Size-dependent inelastic behavior of particle-reinforced metal–matrix composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 61, 1057 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. C.S. Goh, J. Wei, L.C. Lee, and M. Gupta: Properties and deformation behaviour of Mg–Y2O3 nanocomposites. Acta Mater. 55, 5115 (2007).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Q.B. Nguyen and M. Gupta: Enhancing compressive response of AZ31B using nano-Al2O3 and copper additions. J. Alloys Compd. 490, 382 (2010).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was financially supported by “National Natural Science Foundation of China” (Grant Nos. 51401144 and 51471059), and the “Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi” (Grant No. 2015021067).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People’s Republic of China

    Kaibo Nie & Kunkun Deng

  2. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaojun Wang & Kun Wu

Authors
  1. Kaibo Nie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kunkun Deng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xiaojun Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kun Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kaibo Nie.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Nie, K., Deng, K., Wang, X. et al. Characterization and strengthening mechanism of SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composite fabricated by ultrasonic vibration assisted squeeze casting. Journal of Materials Research 32, 2609–2620 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2017.202

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2017.202

Search

Navigation