Enhancing strength and hardness of AZ31B through simultaneous addition of nickel and nano-Al2O3 particulates

In the present study, AZ31B-Al₂O₃-Ni composites are developed by the addition of different amounts of Ni particulates into AZ31B-1.5Al₂O₃ using disintegrated melt deposition technique followed by hot extrusion. The AZ31B-1.5Al₂O₃ nano-composite is known to exhibit excellent ductility (∼30%) matching with that of pure aluminum but its strength levels are compromised. The composites developed in the current study show a homogeneous microstructure and significant improvement in mechanical characteristics. The results of mechanical properties characterization reveal that addition of Ni led to a simultaneous improvement in 0.2% YS (up to 25%), UTS (up to 13%) and hardness (up to 62%). The ductility, however, stayed almost similar to the ductility of monolithic AZ31B in the case of AZ31B-1.5Al₂O₃-1.5Ni composite while it was compromised for AZ31B-1.5Al₂O₃-3.19Ni. The results clearly reveal the superior capability of AZ31B-Al₂O₃-Ni formulations in terms of overall mechanical response when compared to monolithic AZ31B.