Characterisation of magnesium matrix composite reinforced with SiC particulates manufactured by powder metallurgy method

WOS: 000304193000015Particle reinforced magnesium metal matrix composites (MMCs) and related manufacturing methods are among important research topics because of their low density, high specific stiffness, strength and wear resistance. SiCp/Mg composites are commonly used materials for fabrication of light-weight functional components. Magnesium powders with mean size of 69 mu m were used as raw material while reinforcement material was selected as SiCp with the average particle size of 84 mu m. Different amounts of SiCp (3, 6, and 9 wt. %) were added to the magnesium matrix and the composite materials were sintered in a vacuum furnace at 590 degrees C. Structural characterisation of the produced composites was performed using several techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. The green density of the composite materials increased with SiCp addition. The hardness of the composites was found to be higher than the pure Mg. Reinforcement with 9 wt. % SiCp showed significant increase in the compressive strength of magnesium matrix composites