The Microstructure of WE43 MMC Reinforced with SiC Particles

Abstract

It is well known that the properties of a metal matrix composites depend upon the properties of the reinforcement phase, of the matrix and of the interface. A strong interface bonding without any degradation of the reinforcing phase is one of the prime objectives in the development of the metal matrix composites. Therefore, the objective of this work is to characterize the interface structure of WE43/SiC particles composite. Magnesium alloys containing yttrium and neodymium are known to have high specific strength, good creep and corrosion resistance up to 250°C. The addition of SiC ceramic particles strengthens the metal matrix composite resulting in better wear and creep resistance while maintaining good machinability. In the present study, WE43 magnesium matrix composite reinforced with SiC particulates was fabricated by stir casting. The SiC particles with 15 μm, 45 μm and 250 μm diameter were added to the WE43 alloy. The microstructure of the composite was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy and XRD analysis. YSi and Y2Si reaction products are observed at the interfaces between SiC particles and WE43 matrix in the composite stirred at 780°C. Microstructure characterization of WE43 MMC with the 45 μm, stirred at 720°C showed relative uniform reinforcement distribution. Moreover, the Zr-rich particles at particle/matrix interface were visible instead of Y-Si phases. In the case of composite with 15 μm particles the numerous agglomerates and reaction products between SiC particles and alloying elements were observed. The presence of SiC particles assisted in improving hardness and decreasing the tensile strength and plastic properties.

Types of Component Interfaces in Metal Matrix Composites on the Example of Magnesium Matrix Composites

“…The type of the reinforcing phase is important during the production of composites due to the possibility of wetting by the liquid matrix and obtaining a matrix/reinforcement bond [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. In metal matrix composites, the choice of the chemical composition of the matrix, as well as the selection of the type of reinforcement significantly affects the possibility of shaping the designed structure, sometimes even making it impossible to produce a composite with the required level of properties [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. The selection of components directly determines the types of interfaces that arise between the matrix and the material of the reinforcing phase.…”

“…Due to the properties of the matrix itself, including its density, magnesium matrix composites constitute a modern group of materials, widely studied in many matrix-reinforcing phase systems. Several different magnesium matrix alloys (from the Mg–Al, Mg–Zn, or Mg–rare earth elements systems) with various reinforcing phases (various particles or fibers), for example, SiC, C gr , Al 2 O 3 , TiC, Ti, and fly ash microspheres etc., have been designed and investigated in recent years [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ]. Those composites are very attractive in applications such as the aerospace, automobile, or electronics industries due to their unique combination of different properties, e.g., exceptional dimensional stability and high damping capacity, specific strength and stiffness, or resistance to abrasive wear.…”

Magnesium Matrix Composite with Open-Celled Glassy Carbon Foam Obtained Using the Infiltration Method

“…Enrichment of magnesium alloys with ceramic phases of different chemical composition, size and morphology, and the fabrication of an ex situ-type composite is one of the possible methods of properties design. In the literature, for reinforcement phase composition, ceramic phases, such as SiC [1,2], Al 2 O 3 [3], graphite [4], glassy carbon [5], and TiB 2 [6], can be primarily found; however, in terms of size and shape, they are microsized and nanosized particles [1][2][3]7], fibers and nanofibers [8][9][10]. For these components, consolidation and composite fabrication, powder metallurgy techniques and cast methods, as well as complex processes, such as differing combinations, are required.…”