Effect of SiC Reinforcement and Its Variation on the Mechanical Characteristics of AZ91 Composites

Abstract

In this study, the processing of SiC particulate-strengthened magnesium alloy metal matrix composites via vacuum supported inert atmosphere stir casting process is presented. The effects of small variations in the SiC particulate (average size 20 µm) reinforcement in magnesium alloy AZ91 were examined. It was found that with the addition of SiC particulate reinforcement, the hardness improved considerably, while the ultimate tensile and yield strength improved slightly. The density and porosity of the magnesium alloy-based composites increased with the increase in the wt.% of SiC particulates. The tensile and compressive fracture study of the fabricated composites was also performed. The tensile fractures were shown to be mixed-mode fractures (i.e., ductile and cleavage). The fractured surface also disclosed tiny dimples, micro-crack, and cleavage fractures which increases with increasing reinforcement. For the compression fracture, the surface microstructural studies of AZ91 displayed major shear failure and demonstrated the greater shear bands when compared to AZ91/SiC composites, which instead revealed rough fracture surfaces with mixed-mode brittle and shear features.

Effect of Variation of SiC Reinforcement on Wear Behaviour of AZ91 Alloy Composites

“…Magnesium-based alloys are getting attention due to their lightweight capabilities. They also exhibit good castability, weldability, machinability, thermal stability, specific mechanical properties, and resistance to electromagnetic radiations [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The limitation of magnesium-based materials arises from its low ductility, modulus, and poor corrosion resistance.…”

“…The metal matrix composites of AZ91 magnesium alloy with different types of ceramics and metallic reinforcements were fabricated. Their physical, mechanical properties were evaluated by various researchers [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 ] to know the effect of the addition of different reinforcements.…”

“…The ultimate tensile, yield and compression strength are increased with an increase in TiC reinforcement in AZ91. The sliding wear rate increases with an increase in normal load and sliding speed [ 3 , 4 ]. The benefits of magnesium and its alloy used as a composites matrix are the high specific strength and stiffness, dimensional stabilities, and good damping capacities [ 29 ].…”

In Situ Formation of ZrB2 and Its Influence on Wear and Mechanical Properties of ADC12 Alloy Mixed Matrix Composites

“…Whenever there is grain refinement, by applying the load, dislocation reaches the grain boundary; since atoms on the other side are oriented slightly, larger stress is required by dislocation to change its coarseness. This increases the strength of the material [ 27 ]. The ultimate tensile strength of the material increases by 6.8%, 11.4%, and 18.8% for 3%, 6%, and 9% ZrB 2 composite, respectively, as compared to pure ADC12, as shown in Table 2 .…”

Special Issue “Advanced Composites: From Materials Characterization to Structural Application”

“…The articles included in the Special Issue explore the development of sustainable composites with valorized manufacturability for a breakthrough from conventional practices and corresponding to the Industrial Revolution 4.0 ideology. The publications revealed that the application of nano-particles improves the mechanical performance of composite materials [ 6 ]; advanced woven fabrics efficiently reinforce soft body-armor [ 7 ]; heat-resistant aluminum composites ensure the safety of overhead power transmission lines [ 8 ]; chemical additives can help in detecting temperature impact on concrete structures [ 9 ]. The publications [ 10 , 11 ] investigated connection problems of high-performance composites.…”