Materials Science Forum Vols. 488-489

Abstract: Magnesium alloys offer advantages of low density, high specific strength, machinability and availability. So it has been used more and more in many fields, such as automobile, communication etc. In this paper, grain refinement process and SiC nanoparticles reinforcement process are investigated for the purposes of increasing ultimate tensile strengthen and ductility of AM60B magnesium alloys. We find that after grain refinement process the ultimate tensile strength of AM60B alloys with permanent casting increase to 241MPa, which is about 27MPa higher than that of original alloys, and the elongation of it increases up to 20.1%, which is about 8.7% higher than that of original alloys. We added SiC nanoparticle into AM60B alloys in liquid state and found it could increase strength and ductility of alloys. By SiC nanoparticle reinforced process the ultimate tensile strength of magnesium alloys can increase up to 255MPa with the elongation of 19%.

Abstract: Using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforced phase, it was made to carbon nanotubes/Magnesium matrix composite by the foundry method in Argon gas protection. The experiment results show that CNTs can strengthen the mechanical properties of the CNTs/Magnesium matrix composite, and tensile strength and elongation ratio are greatly improved. Furthermore, the plating CNTs are better than un-plating CNTs in strengthening effects. Additionally the quantity of CNTs can not be too great, or the properties will be descended to a great extent without distraction of CNTs. Tensile strength has been higher by 150 % and the elongation ratio is higher by 30 % than matrix’s at best, and the fracture of the composite sample has a character of dimples.

Abstract: Under the protection of argon gas, carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium metal matrix composite was made by stirring carbon nanotube into magnesium melts and formed by die casting. TEM and EDS methods were introduced to analyze boundary structure and chemical composition between carbon nanotube and magnesium metal matrix. The mechanical carbon nanotube properties of the composite were tested. Nickel chemical plating surface of carbon nanotube is favorable to adhesion of carbon nanotube to magnesium. Tests show that carbon nanotube, especially chemical nickel-plated one, has excellent role in strengthening the magnesium. The structure of magnesium was fined .The tensile strength, elongation, hardness and elastic modulus of the composite are improved.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys Mg2Ni and Mg2NiH4 were synthesized at below 733 K by the process HCS. The product was examined by X-Ray diffraction and hydriding / dehydriding dynamics was tested. The result reveals that (1) High pure products of Mg2Ni and Mg2NiH4 can be obtained even at temperature 673 K and 0.1 MPa argon and 1.0 MPa hydrogen, respectively; (2) Both products are high active absorbing hydrogen > 3.2 mass % at 603 K without activation process. The result is very attractive due to the low temperature and pressure for the production of hydrogen storage alloys.

Abstract: Magnesium, the lightest engineering structural metal, has been comprehensively used in castings of aviation and aerospace, communication and transportation, and IT components. This paper introduced the history, advantages and difficulties of magnesium castings for motorcycle application as well as its application state in China. It also indicated the production situation of magnesium motorcycle components in CQMST and difficulties need to overcome for further development.