Structural Characterization of Mechanically Alloyed AlMg-CeO2 Composite

A mechanical alloying and hot extrusion method was used to manufacture an AlMg-based composite reinforced by ~9 wt.% addition of CeO2. Structural features of as-extruded and re-melted samples were characterized by SEM/TEM observations and XRD analysis. Highly refined structure with uniform distribution of structural components has been received. It was found that during mechanical alloying and following hot pressing and extrusion of the material the decomposition of CeO2 oxides has been initiated. As result, formation of intermetallic grains of Al4Ce type was observed. Thermal analysis experiments combined with structural characterization allowed to determine the equilibrium state of the AlMg-CeO2 composite structure.