Mechanical properties of a laser-surface-alloyed magnesium-based alloy (AZ91) with nickel

The mechanical properties of laser-surface-alloyed AZ91, a magnesium-based alloy (Mg–9Al–0.9Zn) with nickel, were determined. Laser surface alloying was carried out using a continuous wave CO2 laser under optimum process parameters. Laser surface alloying led to the formation of a dispersion of intermetallics of Mg and Ni (MgNi2) in a magnesium matrix with an improved Young’s modulus (45–85 GPa, as compared to the 45 GPa of as-received substrate) and improved wear resistance.