Experimental studies on magnesium metal matrix composites processed by Twist Extrusion

Abstract

Recently magnesium alloys and magnesium composite were widely used due to their good strength to weight ratio. These materials find its applications in the bio-medical and in aviation industries. The aim of this study is to twist extrude the hybrid magnesium composite. The magnesium AZ91 alloy is used matrix medium and it was reinforced with 2%SiC and 1.5% B4C. The twist extrusion was carried out in a split die with a slope angle of 54°. The composite is prepared by the bottom pouring method. The number of passes is limited to one, as adding the reinforcement increases the brittleness of the composites. The twist extrusion of the composite resulted in a porosity free sample. Hardness was measured by Macro-Vickers tester and ASTM A370 standard was used for the tensile test. Results indicate an increase 26.6% in strength and 38.5% hardness of the twist extruded composite.