Structure analyses of Mg-Zn-Zr matrix alloy composites reinforced with SiC particles
Katarzyna N. Braszczyńska-Malik Częstochowa University of Technology, Institute of Materials Engineering, Armii Krajowej 19, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
Quarterly No. 1, 2007 pages 51-55
DOI:
keywords: magnesium matrix composites, SiC particles, structure
abstract The results of microstructure investigations of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide particles have been presented. The Mg - 6 wt. % Zn - 0.9 wt. % Zr alloy was used as a composite matrix. The investigated composites were reinforced with 30 wt. % of SiC particles with a maximum diameter of 32 um. A simple and non-expensive casting method involving mechanical mixing of liquid metal and the introduced ceramic particles under protective atmosphere was used to obtain the investigated materials. The obtained composites were characterized by uniform distribution of silicon carbide particles within the matrix alloy. Additionally, Mg2Si phase was identified in the composites microstructure, as a result of reaction between the matrix alloy and SiO2 film very often covering SiC particle. Moreover, the components did not reveal the creation of a reaction layers at the matrix/particles interfaces. Transmission electron microscopic analyses allowed to determine the presence of Zn-rich phases as well as the iron oxides precipitates at the interfaces between the silicon carbide particles and the matrix alloy.