Influence of Nano-Alumina and Micro-Size Copper on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys AZ31

In this paper, magnesium composites are synthesized through the addition of nano-alumina and micron size copper particulates in AZ31 magnesium alloy using the technique of disintegrated melt deposition. The simultaneous addition of Cu and nano-alumina particulates led to an overall improvement in physical, microstructural characteristics and mechanical response of AZ31. Small size and reasonably distributed second phases were formed. The 0.2{\%} yield strength increased from 180 to 300 MPa (67{\%}), while the ductility increased by almost 24{\%}. The overall tensile properties assessed in terms of work of fracture improved by 66{\%}. An attempt is made to correlate the tensile response of composites with their microstructural characteristics. The results suggest that these alloy composites have significant potential in diverse and wider engineering applications.