Oxide dispersion strengthened magnesium: Effect of sonicated dispersion on the microstructure and mechanical properties

In this study, ultrafine (0.3 µ m) aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) particles were dispersed into commercially pure magnesium powder using the sonication method and processed by press-sinter-extrusion technique. The oxide particles dispersion in the processed magnesium microstructure was reasonably homogeneous and with good interfacial integrity. The dispersed oxide particles refined the grain morphology. They significantly improved the hardness, yield strength, tensile strength, ductility, and work-of-fracture of magnesium when added to a vol.% of up to 2.5. The dispersed oxide particles also changed the fracture mode of magnesium from brittle to ductile nature. However, the study also revealed that the ultrafine oxide particles dispersion was most effective in improving the overall mechanical properties of magnesium when added in an amount of 0.7 vol.%.