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.