Effect of Yttria and Ceria Particulates Inclusion on Corrosion Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of AZ91D Mg Alloy Composites Fabricated Through Metallurgical Routing Technique

This work presents, mechanical and corrosion action of RE oxides (Yttria and Ceria) reinforced AZ91D Mg alloy composites were investigated. For this, 1–4 wt.% of yttria and 1 wt.% of ceria reinforced Mg alloy hybrid composite were prepared through a stir casting process. The microstructure and corrosion characterizations were studied through metallurgical micrographs and SEM and EDAX images. The obtained results indicated that Mg alloy hybrid MMC's hardness and yield strength have increased by 24% and 36% with the addition of reinforcement of 1–4% yttria and 1% ceria respectively. In Mg alloy hybrid MMCs, the RE oxides presence causes the barrier for reactions resulting corrosion. In addition, they also reduce the area for reaction in the media. Subsequently, current density decreases due to RE oxide content in Mg alloy hybrid MMCs. It shows that corrosion rate of Mg based hybrid MMCs was found lesser compared to Mg based alloy.