Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al2O3 and SiC Reinforced Magnesium Metal Matrix Hybrid Composites

Magnesium alloy (AZ31) is used as the base metal matrix. Alumina (Al2O3) with 5 wt%) and silicon carbide (SiC) with varying 0-8 wt% is used as the reinforcing ceramic materials. The compacted green samples were sintered at 450 degrees C for 20 min. The prepared metal matrix composite hybrid (MMC) samples were subjected to characterization and mechanical studies such as optical microstructure, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hardness. Results showed that magnesium metal matrix composites (MMC) hardness increased from 64.53 to 75.16 HV, which was mainly due to the presence of reinforcements Al2O3 and SiC along with precipitates. Addition of alumina and silicon carbide on magnesium alloy, influenced the hardness of MMC. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.