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Investigation on Fracture Mechanisms in Mg alloy AZ31 Nano Composites Reinforced with Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes

J. Jayakumar,B.K.Raghunath,T.H.Rao

Mechanical properties of Metal-Matrix Composites (MMCs) can be enhanced significantly by the reinforcement of MWCNTs(Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes) into AZ31 Mg alloy. Efforts are underway to improve fracture resistance of the materials through understanding of the deformation and failure mechanisms. In this research a systematic examination of the effects of weight fraction of MWCNTs on the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of AZ31-MWCNT nano composites has been undertaken. The material used in this investigation was a powder metallurgy processed AZ31Mg alloy reinforced with 0.33wt%,0.66wt% and 1wt% fraction of MWCNTs. The samples were tested at room temperature for uniaxial compression and sample sections were characterized for microstructure properties using optical microscope and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope).The effect of addition of weight fraction of MWCNTs on mechanical property,microstructure and fracture modes are studied. The result reveals that the fracture modes of the composites were increased by the increased weight fraction of MWCNTs because of their agglomeration and the clusters and microvoids are susceptible route for crack propagation