S. LeBeau, S. Kulkarni, R. F. Decker, NanoMag, a subsidiary of Thixomat, Inc, Ann Arbor, MI; A. Ghosh, B. Mansoor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
A new process has been discovered and is being developed to produce higher strength/density Magnesium alloy sheet. The product exhibits micron and sub-micron sized grains reinforced by nano-sized dispersoids. By overcoming the traditional texture and deformation limitations of commercial Magnesium sheet, this microstructure enhances the formability and properties of complex net-shape parts. For example, the yield strength of sheet alloy AM60 is increased by 40% at the same time that elongation is enhanced. This R&D was performed under an STTR sponsored by NSF.
Summary: A new process has been discovered and is being developed to produce higher strength/density Magnesium sheet. The product exhibits micron and sub-micron grains reinforced with nano-sized dispersoids. By overcoming the traditional texture and deformation limitations of commercial Magnesium sheet, this microstructure enhances the formability and properties of complex net-shape parts. For example, the yield strength is increased by 50%.
