MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIUM BASED COMPOSITES SYNTHESIZED USING DISINTEGRATED MELT DEPOSITION TECHNIQUE

Magnesium-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been receiving attention in recent years as potential materials for aerospace and automobile applications because of their low density and superior specific properties. In the present study, magnesium based metal matrix composites containing up to 21.3 weight percentage of SiC particulates were successfully synthesized using disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the composite samples revealed a uniform distribution of SiC particulates, finite amount of porosity and good particulate/matrix interfacial integrity. Results of thermal analysis and mechanical properties showed an increase in elastic modulus, no significant change in the yield strength, and decrease in coefficient of thermal expansion, ultimate tensile strength and ductility with an increase in the weight percent of the SiC particulates. An attempt is made to correlate the physical and mechanical properties obtained with the microstructural characteristics of the composites.