Synthesizing (ZrAl3 + AlN)/Mg–Al composites by a ‘matrix exchange’ method

Abstract

A method named ‘matrix exchange’ to synthesize ZrAl3 and AlN reinforced Mg–Al composite was developed in this paper. By inserting Al–10ZrN master alloy into Mg matrix and reheating the cooled ingot to 550 °C, Al and Mg atoms diffuse to the opposite side. As a result, liquid melt occurs once the interface areas reach to proper compositions. Then dissolved Al atoms react with ZrN, leading to the in-situ formation of ZrAl3 and AlN particles, while the Al matrix is finally replaced by Mg. This study provides a new insight for preparing Mg composites. Keywords: Mg–Al composites, Diffusion, Microstructure, Phase transformation