The microstructure and mechanical properties of multicomponent MgAlCe-LDO nanoparticle reinforced Mg matrix composite

The strength-ductility trade-off has long challenged particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs). This paper presents a multi-component layered double oxide (LDO) interfacial structured Mg matrix composite with high strength and plasticity by introduction of Ce. The LDO contains multi-component irregular nanoparticles (MgO, CeO2, Al3Ce and MgAl2O4) bonding the matrix and MgAlCe. Especially, Ce atoms participates in the formation of Al3Ce and are absorbed on the growing tip of β-Mg17Al12, which further refine the matrix grand and β-Mg17Al12 grain significantly by inhibiting grain boundary migration. During loading, the multi-component LDO can significantly improve load-transfer enhancement and contribute to dislocation-bypass across the LDO/matrix interface. This unique multi-component interfacial structure and fine grains of MgAlCe-LDO nanoparticle reinforced Mg matrix composite contributes to the high ductility and strength (UCS:407 MPa, YS:232 MPa) by increasing 50.2%, and 139.2% without sacrificing ductility (strain 20.6%).