Mg alloy for hydrogen storage processed by SPD

Mg-based nanocomposites are promising candidates for hydrogen storage applications exhibiting fast H-sorption kinetics at reasonably low temperatures when processed by high-energy ball milling techniques. However, since compaction of the highly reactive nanometric powder is desirable before application, the search for other effective processing routes for the preparation of Mg-based nanocomposites is relevant. In this work, we have used a combination of equal channel angular pressing, cold rolling and high-energy ball milling in the processing of the commercial AZ31 extruded alloy to evaluate its use as a hydrogen storage material. Severe plastic deformation carried out at different temperatures. combined with further mechanical processing resulted in a controlled texture and signifiant grain refinement, which are desirable microstructural characteristics for hydrogen storage applications.