Characteristics of Mg-based composites synthesized using a novel mechanical disintegration and deposition technique

Abstract

In the present study, for the first time, a new technique termed 'mechanical disintegration and deposition' was conceptualized and used for synthesis of Mg-based composites. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the extruded composite samples using optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed a minimal level of porosity, uniform distribution of SiC particulates, recrystallized grain morphology, and good interfacial integrity between the metallic matrix and the reinforcement. Mechanical properties characterization conducted using a free-free beam method and servohydraulic tensile testing machine revealed that with an increasing percentage of reinforcement, there was an increase in dynamic elastic modulus and 0.2 pct yield strength (YS), a decrease in ductility, and no effect on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). The results of the mechanical properties were then rationalized in terms of the microstructural characteristics associated with the composite samples.