Use of interconnected reinforcement in magnesium for stiffness critical applications

Abstract

In the present study, magnesium composites with three different volume fractions of interconnected reinforcement (1-77, 2-65 and 3-85%) were successfully synthesised by using disintegrated melt deposition technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterisation revealed the absence of macro pores, minimal porosity and good reinforcement-matrix interfacial integrity. Thermomechanical analysis of the composites showed that the use of interconnected wire preforms as reinforcement marginally decreased the average coefficient of thermal expansion of the magnesium matrix. The mechanical characterisation of the composites revealed that the rule of mixture stiffness was closely realised in all the composite materials. The hardness and yield strength increased while the ultimate tensile strength and the ductility of the composite materials were adversely affected. The fracture surface revealed brittle mode of fracture for the matrix and ductile mode of fracture for the iron wire. © 2008 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.