Role of Microstructure and Texture on Compressive Strength Improvement of Mg/(Y ₂ O ₃ + Cu) Hybrid Nanocomposites

In this study, uniaxial compressive properties of pure magnesium and Mg/(Y 2 O 3 + Cu) hybrid nanocomposites are investigated. Addition of hybrid reinforcements (ceramic + metal) at nano-length scale led to grain-size refinement and the amount of porosity remained below 1%. The presence of hybrid reinforcements led to a significant increase in 0.2% compressive yield strength (CYS) and ultimate compressive strength (UCS) while the failure strain was compromised. Best improvements in 0.2% CYS, UCS, and hardness were realized when the amount of copper was increased to one volume percent for fixed 0.7% Y 2 O 3 nanoparticulates. Comparatively low ductility of magnesium hybrid nanocomposites under compressive loading was attributed to the absence of twinning unlike pure magnesium. The variation in the mechanical properties in this study is correlated with the microstructural features and texture effects.