Production of B4Cp reinforced magnesium metal matrix composites by powder metallurgy

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are modern engineering materials which have more advantages when compared to conventional materials. Magnesium based MMCs among the MMCs have become an important research subject because of their low density and high strength/weight ratio in recent years. The aim of the current study was to produce magnesium based MMCs with different amount of boron carbide (B4Cp) addition (3 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 9 wt.%) by the powder metallurgy (P/M) method and to examine the mechanical properties of the produced MMCs. Hardness of the samples sintered in the vacuum atmosphere was characterized by the Brinell hardness testing method. Density of the materials was determined according to Archimedes principle. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for examination of microstructure and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) was used for the phase analysis. Sintered density of magnesium based MMCs was reduced with B4C particle reinforcement. MgO, Al2O3 and MgB2 phases was detected in the samples as a result of XRD analysis. The best flexural strength was obtained at MMCs with 3 wt.% B4C reinforcement.

Keywords

• Powder metallurgy, magnesium based metal matrix composite, B4CP

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