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

Authors: Sertan Ozan; Lutfiye Feray Guleryuz; Deniz Uzunsoy; Rasim Ipek

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, 35040 Izmir, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, 35040 Izmir, Turkey. ' Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349 Istanbul, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey

Abstract: Particle 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. SiC_p/Mg composites are commonly used materials for fabrication of lightweight functional components. Magnesium powders with mean size of 69 µm were used as raw material while reinforcement material was selected as SiC_p with the average particle size of 84 µm. Different amounts of SiC_p (3, 6, and 9 wt. %) were added to the magnesium matrix and the composite materials were sintered in a vacuum furnace at 590°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 SiC_p addition. The hardness of the composites was found to be higher than the pure Mg. Reinforcement with 9 wt. % SiC_p showed significant increase in the compressive strength of magnesium matrix composites.

Keywords: magnesium matrix composites; powder metallurgy; silicon carbide particulates; density; hardness; reinforced composites.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2012.046850

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2012 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.148 - 156

Published online: 20 Aug 2014 *

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