Effect of SiCp on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ca-Mn matrix composites

Mg-Zn-Ca-Mn matrix composites reinforced with two volume fractions (1 and 3 vol%) of SiC particles (1 μm) were fabricated by a semisolid stirring assisted ultrasonic vibration method, and then extruded at 350℃ with the extrusion ratio of 15:1. The microstructures of the composites were examined by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructure analysis shows that the relatively uniform SiCp distribution and the refined grains are obtained in the 1 vol% SiCp/Mg-Zn-Ca-Mn and 3 vol% SiCp/Mg-Zn-Ca-Mn composites after the extrusion. The introduction of SiCp can improve yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. Both of the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increase with the increase of SiCp content. Copyright © 2016, Northwest Institute for Nonferrous Metal Research. Published by Elsevier BV. All rights reserved.