Development of gradient concentrated single-phase fine Mg-Zn particles and effect on structure and mechanical properties

In this study, we used powder metallurgy process to develop gradient concentrated single-phase fine magnesium-zinc alloy particles. Fine magnesium particles were initially dry coated with nanometer size zinc particles in homogeneous manner and cold compacted to cylindrical billet. Zinc atoms were diffused in to the magnesium particles during high-temperature sintering process and produced the single-phase gradient solid solution. The gradient concentration of zinc induced gradual grain refinement in the magnesium particles. The powder metallurgy processed gradient concentrated alloy particles showed an excellent level of hardness, strength, ductility, and fracture toughness in their bulk form, which was even much higher when compared with unalloyed magnesium. Despite having gradient solid solution structure, the developed alloy particles showed homogeneous properties in their bulk form.