Microstructural and mechanical analysis of heat-treated Zn-Al alloy and Zn-Al/ZrB2 composites

Abstract

This study explores the impact of heat treatment on Zn-Al alloy and Zn-Al/ZrB2 composites. Specifically, heat treatment at 250 °C for 3 h resulted in a significant refinement of grain structure and notable hardness improvement, showcasing an optimal combination of microstructural and mechanical properties. However, higher temperatures led to increased grain size and reduced hardness for both alloy and composites. These findings offer promising insights for optimizing processing parameters, enhancing the performance of Zn-Al based composites in critical engineering applications. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.