Processing of Bulk Nano-Magnesium Alloy and Composites

The opportunity is to develop light weight high strength/density armor to better resist ballistic threats of fragments and projectiles. The objective is to scale up Mg matrix composites that were discovered in Phase I - to provide larger test samples for ballistic testing - as produced by the novel Thixomolding Thermomechanical Process(TTMP). The target is yield strength of >250MPa at density of 10psf in 1-inch plate and with ballistic resistance superior to Mg AZ31 and Al 5083. Variables of Thixomolding, warm rolling, stack pressing, heat treatment, type and shape of inserts will be studied in order to optimize the TTMP process and the composite microstructure and properties. The anticipated result is economic light-weight armor that provides ballistic performance superior to Al alloys and steel plus savings in maintenance costs and fuel consumption.