A hybrid magnesium alloy nanocomposite containing AlN nanoparticle reinforcement was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size to the monolithic hybrid alloy, reasonable AlN and intermetallic nanoparticle distribution, nondominant ( 0 0 0 2 ) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 17% higher hardness than the monolithic hybrid alloy. Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy, the nanocomposite exhibited higher tensile yield strength (0.2% TYS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) without significant compromise in failure strain and energy absorbed until fracture (EA) (+5%, +5%, ？14% and ？10%, resp.). Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy, the nanocomposite exhibited unchanged compressive yield strength (0.2% CYS) and higher ultimate compressive strength (UCS), failure strain, and EA (+1%, +6%, +24%, and +6%, resp.). The overall effects of AlN nanoparticle addition on the tensile and compressive properties of the hybrid magnesium alloy is investigated in this paper. 1. Introduction Compared to aluminium, magnesium is the lightest structural metal (35% lighter) used in many engineering applications today [1, 2]. Commercially available magnesium alloys are suitable for actual or potential use regarding weight-critical applications in the automotive, aerospace, civil infrastructure, building and construction, defence, biomedical, and sports/recreational industries [1, 3]. In the World War 2 era, Mg-Zn alloy parts were economically manufactured and heavily used in aircraft [3]. Soon after the world war, Mg-Al alloys were also economically developed with specific metallurgical advantages over Mg-Zn alloys [3]. At present, Mg-Y and Mg-RE (Rare Earth) alloys are in development for even more specific metallurgical advantages but at generally higher cost compared to Mg-Zn and Mg-Al alloys [1]. Regardless of cast or wrought forms, Mg-Zn and Mg-Al alloys each still remain as the main classes of Mg alloys commercially in use. In the wrought form, the Mg alloys have good strength and ductility. However, wrought Mg-Zn and Mg-Al alloy nanocomposites have often demonstrated simultaneously higher strength and ductility compared to the monolithic alloys [4–14]. Additionally, friction stir processed Mg-Al nanocomposites have also demonstrated higher hardness and strength than the corresponding monolithic alloys [15–18]. Based on much of the existing representative research literature on solidification processed magnesium alloy nanocomposites, good nanoparticle distribution can be achieved in the
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