Processing of Bulk Nano-Magnesium Alloy and Composites

This SBIR Phase I project is aimed to attain 250 MPa yield strength, light weight of 11 lb/ft2, excellent formability, good corrosion resistance and low cost in Mg alloy and composite armor. This will be accomplished by a new Thixomolding Thermomechanical Processing (TTMP) regimen that produces a Mg alloy matrix of micron grains, reinforced by nanometer dispersoid phases - that can be further reinforced by ceramic discs and mesh. The novel TTMP can be accomplished on a combination of existing commercial equipment. This project will optimize mechanical processing variables and geometry of arrays of ceramic discs of Al2O3(optionally B4C)and ceramic or steel mesh in order to demonstrate the alloy design concept and to verify feasibility and repeatability of producing the product in dimensions greater than 2" x 2" x 2".