Study of the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of AZ91–SiCp composites fabricated by stir casting

Abstract

In recent years, the composite materials have been very desirable by researchers for many engineering applications such as aviation and biomedical because of the tremendous characteristics of magnesium matrix metal composite. This current investigation aims to develop the AZ91/SiCp composites with various weight fractions (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) of silicon carbide particles via the stir casting method. The effect of SiC particles content on microstructure, mechanical and wear behaviour was investigated. The optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and EDX analyses were utilized to detect the distribution of hard particles as well as the interface between the alloy and particles. Based on the findings, the homogeneous distribution of particles, refinement of grains in addition to good bonding between AZ91 alloy and particles have been achieved in produced composites. Therefore, the mechanical characteristics and wear performance are improved in composites compared with the unreinforced alloy. Moreover, these results suggest that for applications demanding high mechanical properties and wear resistance the AZ91/SiCp will be effective composites.