Microstructures and mechanical properties of Ni-coated SiC particles reinforced AZ61 alloy composites

In order to improve the interface bonding of SiCp/AZ61 composites prepared by powder metallurgy followed by hot extrusion, the electroless plating of Ni-P coating on SiCp was carried out. The influence of Ni coating on microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was analyzed. The results show that SiC particles distribute more uniformly in the composites after surface Ni plating and there are fewer defects in Ni-coated composite. The Ni coating reacts with the magnesium matrix forming the Mg2Ni interfacial compound layer during the sintering process. The relative density of the composite increases from 97.9% to 98.4% compared with uncoated one and the hardness of the Ni-coated composite increases more rapidly as the volume fraction of SiCp increases. The tensile test results show that the tensile strength increases from 320 to 336 MPa when the volume friction of SiC particle is 9% and the Ni-coated composites have larger elongation, indicating that Ni coating improves the interfacial bonding strength and the performance of the composites. In addition, the fracture properties of SiCp/AZ61 composites were analyzed.