Microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel particle reinforced magnesium composite: Impact of reinforcement introduction method

In this study, magnesium was reinforced with micrometer size fine pure nickel particles using the ingot and powder metallurgy processes. The ingot metallurgy process induced a matrix-reinforcement reaction in the magnesium matrix, produced an enormous number of fine intermetallic compound particles and reduced the pure nickel particle size. The powder metallurgy process preserved the incorporated nickel particle intact. The ingot metallurgy made a remarkable improvement in the strength of the reinforced magnesium matrix with marginal strain hardening. The powder metallurgy process did not affect the yield strength of the reinforced magnesium matrix while inducing large strain hardening during plastic deformation. The fracture mode was similar for the ingot and powder metallurgy processed reinforced magnesium samples.