The influence of the structure of a magnesium–aluminum nitride metal-matrix composite on the resistance to deformation under quasi-static and dynamic loading

The microstructure of an ML5 commercial magnesium alloy reinforced by aluminum nitride (AlN) nanoparticles with an average size of 80 nm at an amount of 0.5 wt % has been studied. Comparative data on strength and plasticity of the initial ML15 alloy and AlN-reinforced metal-matrix composite were obtained using Instron 3369 universal testing machine. The influence of material microstructure on the resistance of samples to high-rate deformation and fracture was determined by analysis of the full wave profiles measured using a VISAR laser Doppler velocimeter.