Novel AM60-SiO₂ Nanocomposite Produced via Ultrasound-Assisted Casting; Production and Characterization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Growing demand for materials with superior strength-to-weight ratios.
• Magnesium alloys offer lightweight properties but often require enhancement for structural applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize AM60 magnesium alloy reinforced with silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles for the first time.
• To investigate the effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AM60 alloy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the ultrasound-casting method for composite synthesis.
• Incorporated 1 and 2 wt.% of SiO2 nanoparticles into the AM60 matrix.
• Analyzed microstructural changes, including grain size reduction.

Main Results:

• Significant grain size refinement observed in samples with SiO2 nanoparticles (MS2).
• Hardness increased from 34.8 HV (AM60) to 51.5 HV (MS2).
• Compressive strength was enhanced, though ductility decreased (fracture strain from 0.41 to 0.37).

Conclusions:

• The ultrasound-casting of SiO2-reinforced AM60 alloy successfully improved hardness and compressive strength.
• Mechanical property enhancement is attributed to Orowan, Hall-Petch, and load-bearing mechanisms.
• The study highlights a trade-off between strength and ductility in these novel nanocomposites.