[LGPR]Publication Success Series – Dr. Sandip Kunar in International Journal of Metalcasting

#LGPR #SCI #PublicationSuccess #EICompendex

Dr. Sandip Kunar, LGPR Postdoctoral Candidate at LUC Malaysia has published in the International Journal of Metalcasting.

International Journal of Metalcasting (2026)

Journal Indexes: Impact factor 2.5 | Cite Score 4.9

Indexing: SCOPUS | ESCI | EI Compendex | Web of Science Core Collection

H-Index: 41

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Aims & Scope

The International Journal of Metalcasting is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing research and innovation in metalcasting technologies, materials engineering, foundry science, manufacturing processes, and advanced composite materials. The journal publishes high-quality original research focusing on casting processes, alloy development, microstructural characterization, mechanical performance, tribology, sustainability, and industrial applications.

The journal serves researchers, academicians, and industry professionals by disseminating cutting-edge developments that contribute to the advancement of modern manufacturing and lightweight engineering materials. The abstracts will be indexed and available at major academic databases such as Baidu, CLOCKSS, CNKI, CNPIEC, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), Current Contents/Engineering, Computing and Technology,EI Compendex, Google Scholar, Japanese Science and Technology Agency (JST), SCImago, SCOPUS, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), Semantic Scholar, TD Net Discovery Service, etc.

• Published by: American Foundry Society & Springer Nature

• Indexed in: SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded), Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection

• Subject Area: Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

• International Peer-Reviewed Journal

• ISSN: 2163-3193 (online version); 1939-5981 (print version)

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Mechanical Behaviour and Microstructural Insights of ZE42 Magnesium Alloy Reinforced with Hybrid TiO₂ and Graphene Nanoplatelets

Sandip Kunar

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lincoln University College, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Mohammad Israr

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lincoln University College, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Hotoro GRA, Kano, Kano State, 700213, Federal Republic of Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40962-026-02017-y

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Abstract: This research investigates the development and performance evaluation of ZE42 magnesium alloy reinforced with hybrid titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) fabricated through the stir-casting process. Magnesium matrix composites often face challenges such as poor wettability, nanoparticle agglomeration, and weak interfacial bonding, which limit their mechanical and tribological performance. To address these issues, hybrid-reinforced composites containing TiO₂ and GNPs were successfully developed under controlled processing conditions. Microstructural characterization using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed grain refinement, effective reinforcement incorporation, and relatively uniform particle distribution within the magnesium matrix. Mechanical testing demonstrated significant improvements in hardness, tensile strength, and compressive strength due to synergistic strengthening mechanisms, including dispersion strengthening, Orowan strengthening, and efficient load transfer. Tribological investigations revealed a substantial reduction in friction coefficient and wear rate, attributed to the enhanced surface hardness provided by TiO₂ nanoparticles and the solid-lubricating characteristics of graphene nanoplatelets. Among all developed compositions, the composite containing 3 wt.% TiO₂ and 3 wt.% GNPs exhibited the best overall performance, showing superior mechanical properties, wear resistance, and microstructural stability.

The findings demonstrate that hybrid TiO₂–GNP reinforcement is an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of ZE42 magnesium alloy, making it a promising candidate for advanced lightweight structural applications in automotive and aerospace industries where high strength-to-weight ratio and wear resistance are essential.