Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles on Grain Refinement of Mg-Al-Zn Alloy by Thixoforming Process

Abstract

Thixoforming process is one method to improve the mechanical properties, especially in the manufacture of magnesium alloy components. This method is an alternative to lightweight structures and simultaneously efficient use of raw materials, fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. The aim of this study is investigates the effect of ZnO nanoparticles addition on grain refinement of Mg-Al-Zn alloy by thixoforming. In these experiments, ZnO nanoparticles added from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 wt. % to Mg-Al-Zn alloy and thixoforming temperature set-up at 530°C. The results showed that the increasing of weight % ZnO nanoparticles cause decreasing grain size average of Mg-Al-Zn alloy both as-cast and thixoforming. On 0.5 wt. % ZnO addition was obtained grain refinement 39.87 μm (decreased 29.29%) and hardness 73.80 HB (increased 53.94%) compared to as-cast.