Review on mechanical properties of magnesium (nano)composites developed using energy efficient microwaves

Abstract

Magnesium (with density, r ¼ 1.74 g cc 21 ) being ,35% lighter than aluminium and ,75% lighter than steel is an attractive and a viable candidate for the fabrication of lightweight structures. Being the designers' choice for weight critical applications, extensive research efforts are underway into the development of magnesium metal matrix composites (Mg-MMCs) through various cost effective fabrication technologies. In recent years, there has been a progressive advancement in utilising the microwave energy to consolidate powder materials, and the present study accentuates the use of energy efficient and environment friendly microwave sintering process to synthesise magnesium based composite materials. The processing advantages of the innovative and cost effective microwave assisted bidirectional rapid sintering technique followed by hot extrusion are first briefly introduced. Subsequently, the properties of various Mg-MMCs containing nanosized ceramic/metal particles, synthesised using this technique, are presented. Special emphasis has been made on the commending mechanical properties displayed by the nanoparticle reinforced Mg composites (Mg-MMNCs). Finally, an account of continuing research initiatives related to the development of novel lightweight Mg composites containing amorphous reinforcement is also highlighted.

Fe3O4 Nanoparticle-Reinforced Magnesium Nanocomposites Processed via Disintegrated Melt Deposition and Turning-Induced Deformation Techniques

“…Some of them include (i) the disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) method whereby the melt is disintegrated and deposited onto a substrate using an inert shielding gas [2]; (ii) the ultrasound assisted casting technique, to break up particle clusters in the melt [7]; (iii) the in-situ synthesis technique utilizing the self-propagating high-temperature reactions based on the thermodynamic reactions between matrix and reinforcement [8,9]. Apart from the liquid state techniques, solid state processing techniques such as powder metallurgy followed 2 of 14 by sintering [10] have also been popular in the production of these lightweight magnesium-based materials [11].…”

Significantly Enhancing the Ignition/Compression/Damping Response of Monolithic Magnesium by Addition of Sm2O3 Nanoparticles

“…The obtained billets (35-mm diameter and 40-mm height) were sintered using a hybrid microwave sintering technique at 630 • C in a 2.45 GHz, 900 W Sharp microwave oven. The benefits of hybrid microwave sintering over conventional sintering has been previously reported [10]. The billets were soaked at 450 • C for 2 h prior to extrusion.…”

“…However, its extensive use is limited owing to its limited room temperature ductility, creep, corrosion resistance, and performance at elevated temperature [2]. Hence, researchers are actively investigating Mg-based nanocomposites as lightweight structural materials having low density, high strength, stiffness, and durability with improved corrosion resistance and acceptable performance at elevated temperatures [10]. Nanocomposites form an emerging class of materials with extremely good mechanical properties coupled with thermal integrity [11] owing to the presence of dimensionally stable ceramic or metallic reinforcements, which provide high mechanical strength as well as ductility [4].…”

“…Overall, 99% of total Mg present in our body is in bone, muscles, and soft-muscular tissues [7]. Mg exhibits elastic modulus (41)(42)(43)(44)(45) closer to that of human bone (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) in comparison to other materials such as titanium (100-110 GPa) and stainless steel (189)(190)(191)(192)(193)(194)(195)(196)(197)(198)(199)(200)(201)(202)(203)(204)(205) showing, in addition, no indication of local or systemic toxicity and hence is therefore being encouraged as a biomaterial by the scientific community [8]. It is biocompatible as well as biodegradable [9] which further helps in eliminating corrective surgery and patient trauma.…”

Application of Nanosilicon to the Sintering of Mg-Mg2Si Interpenetrating Phases Composite

“…The use of nanosized components, mostly ceramic (e.g., SiC [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], SiO 2 [ 5 ], AlN [ 6 ], Al 2 O 3 [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], B 4 C [ 10 , 11 ], TiB 2 [ 12 ], TiC [ 13 ], or Sm 2 O 3 [ 14 ]) or carbon (e.g., fullerene, nanotubes, and graphene [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]), allows for the implementation of Orowan’s mechanism and grain size refinement within the metal matrix. Combining these concepts can be used to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance, in addition to changing the friction coefficient.…”