Nano-indentation and Corrosion Characteristics of Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Stir-Cast AZ31-WC-Graphite Nano-composites

Current study investigates the effect of graphite nanoparticles on nanoindentation behavior and corrosion characteristics of Mg-WC nanocomposites. Composites are developed by ultrasonic treatment associated stir casting method. Typical characterizations of nanocomposites are conducted using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Compositions of as cast materials are examined using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Nanoindentation tests are conducted to expose elastic modulus and nanohardness of developed hybrid nanocomposites. Addition of 1 wt% nano Gr as reinforcement in Mg-WC has enhanced both nanohardness and elastic modulus of composites, while further addition include detrimental effects. Corrosion tests are performed with the help of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization tests. Corrosion study reveals that incorporation of 1 wt% Gr has improved corrosion resistance but further addition of graphite nanoparticles results in decrease in the corrosion resistance. To ascertain corrosion mechanism, corroded surfaces are characterized which discloses that surface of Mg-2WC-1Gr nanocomposite possess less number of cracks collinear with its least corrosion rate among all hybrid nanocomposites.

Automated summary

The addition of 1 wt% nano graphite in Mg-WC nanocomposites enhances both nanohardness and elastic modulus, but further addition has detrimental effects. Corrosion tests show that incorporating 1 wt% graphite nanoparticles improves corrosion resistance, but additional additions result in decreased resistance. Characterization of corroded surfaces reveals that the Mg-2WC-1Gr nanocomposite has fewer cracks and the lowest corrosion rate among all hybrid nanocomposites.