Fabrication of magnesium matrix composites using powder metallurgy process and testing of properties

Abstract

Magnesium based metal matrix composites produced by powder metallurgy are finding applications for automotive, aerospace, defence and other industries. These composites exhibit high hardness, wear resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion along with light weight. The metal matrix composites (MMCs) are currently experiencing active developments all over the world. In the present work, magnesium reinforced with SiC particulate composites are fabricated using powder metallurgy process. The physical and mechanical properties like density, porosity, tensile strength, compressive strength and hardness were measured, so that this information can prove helpful in assessing their readiness for near-term commercial implementation in the automotive and other industries. The microstructure of the Mg-SiCp composites was also studied using scanning electron microscopy.