Fabrication and characterization of Magnesium Metal Composite by Stir Casting

Abstract

In Automotive and Aerospace industries, the demand for lighter materials is increasing exponentially. The main advantage of Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites over Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites, there is an additional 15-20% weight saving without having to compromise on properties. Metal matrix composites reinforced with Boron carbide and molybdenum disulphide have significant advantage over conventional materials. Generally, these reinforcements are used to improve the hardness and tensile strength of metal matrix composite. In this study, we have performed three castings each on magnesium alloy (A14Z1, A17Z1, and A19Z1) and composites with reinforcements of 2.5% Boron Carbide by stir casting method. Mechanical test like Rockwell hardness were conducted to find hardness of the specimen. The Microstructure was observed through an Optical Microscope. The comparative study of these samples with and without reinforcement were carried out and analyzed. The results showed that there is an appreciable increase in mechanical and metallurgical properties of new magnesium novel composite material used in this investigation.