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

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. SiCp/Mg composites are commonly used materials for fabrication of light-weight functional components. Magnesium powders with mean size of 69 mm were used as raw material while reinforcement material was selected as SiCp with the average particle size of 84 mm. 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°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.