Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Alumina Nanoparticle Reinforced Magnesium Metal Matrix Composite by Stir Casting Method

In the present experimental investigation magnesium based alloy was prepared by mixing magnesium powder and aluminium powder in the ratio 65:35. The prepared magnesium alloy is used as the matrix material. Metal matrix composites were prepared by stir casting route. The composite was prepared by reinforcing 50 nm alumina nanoparticle so that the final composite contains 5, 10 and 15 wt.% alumina. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, impact strength and hardness were evaluated. Significant improvement was observed in impact strength and hardness value. The result showed that magnesium alloy with 5 wt.% alumina nanoparticle has a maximum impact strength of 25.2 J and hardness value 63.86 H_v respectively. Tensile strength and yield strength shows marginal increase in value.