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

Abstract

In the present study, a new technique known as mechanical disintegration and deposition was conceptualized and used for the synthesis of magnesium-based composites. Silicon carbide particulates up to 26.3 weight percentage were successfully incorporated into magnesium. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the extruded composite samples using optical and scanning electron microscopy showed uniform distribution of reinforcement, equiaxed grain morphology and good interfacial integrity between the metallic matrix and the reinforcing phase. Mechanical properties characterization revealed an increase in the dynamic elastic modulus and 0.2% yield strength with an increase in the volume fraction of the reinforcement. Fractography studies showed that the failure of the composite was predominantly by particle breakage, which indicates a good interfacial bonding between matrix and the reinforcement particulates.