Synthesis of magnesium reinforced with nano-size y₂O₃ using disintegrated melt deposition technique

Magnesium (Mg), which is the lightest structural metal known, is used in various high-end sectors due to its high specific strength and stiffness. In an attempt to further improve the mechanical properties of Mg, a judicious incorporation of reinforcements into Mg is recommended. Conventional micronsize particulate reinforced Mg composites are faced with the issues of low ultimate tensile strength and ductility due to particle cracking and particle matrix interfacial failures. To overcome these underlying problems and to look for further improvement in properties, the use of nano-size particles is investigated. Accordingly, Mg reinforced with 0.5, 1 and 2 volume percent of nanosize Y₂O₃ respectively were synthesized using the disintegrated melt deposition technique. Mechanical property results reveal an improvement in yield and tensile strengths of the nanocomposites relative to pure Mg. Ductility of the nanocomposites remain relatively constant even with up to 2 volume percent of Y₂O₃ particles added. The Mg nanocomposites synthesized exhibited excellent combination of properties that were more superior than conventional Mg-SiC composites.