Effect of hexagonal boron nitride and graphite nanoparticles on the mechanical and physical properties of magnesium

Magnesium nanocomposites reinforced with 3 vol.% of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and ultrafine-grained magnesium with 3 vol.% of graphite (Gr) nanoparticles were prepared by milling followed by hot extrusion. The influence of the hBN and Gr nanoparticles on the mechanical and physical properties of magnesium were subsequently investigated. The microstructure of the nanocomposites was analysed by electron microscopy. The nanocomposites were deformed in compression over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 300 °C and true stress-true strain curves were determined. The linear thermal expansion coefficient was measured over a wide temperature range from room temperature up to 400 °C. Pre-deformation in compression was used to estimate the influence of twins on the thermal expansion coefficient. The results are analysed and possible physical mechanisms for the observed mechanical and physical properties are discussed.