Development and characterization of ductile Mg/Y2O3 nanocomposites

Nano-Y2O3 particulates containing ductile magnesium nanocomposites were synthesized using blend-press-sinter powder metallurgy technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization of the nanocomposite samples showed fairly uniform reinforcement distribution, good reinforcement-matrix interfacial integrity, significant grain refinement of magnesium matrix with increasing presence of reinforcement, and the presence of minimal porosity. Mechanical properties characterization revealed that the presence of nano-Y2O3 reinforcement leads to marginal increases in hardness, 0.2% yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, but a significant increase in ductility and work of fracture of magnesium. The fracture mode was changed from brittle for pure M-g to mix ductile and intergranular in the case of nanocomposites.