Effect of nano-Nb₂O₅ on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy matrix nanocomposites

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

In this study, the gravitating mechanical stir casting method was used to fabricating the Nb₂O₅/AZ31 magnesium matrix nanocomposites. Niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) used as reinforcement with two different weight percentages (3 wt % and 6 wt %). The influence of Nb₂O₅ on microstructure and mechanical properties has been investigated. The microstructure analysis showed that the composites are mainly composed of the primary α-magnesium phase and phase β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ secondary phase. The secondary phase was dispersed evenly along the grain boundary of the Mg phase. The Nb₂O₅/AZ31 nanocomposites revealed that the grain size and its lamellar shape (β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂) were gradually refined. Different strengthening mechanisms were assessed in terms of their contributions. Results showed that composite material properties of hardness, yield strength, and fracture study were directly related to Nb₂O₅ as a reinforcement. The maximum values of the mechanical properties were achieved with the addition of 3 wt% Nb₂O₅ on the AZ31 alloy.