Microstructure Evolution and Improved Creep Behavior of Mg-Al-Si Alloy Matrix Composite Reinforced with SiC Nanoparticles

The Mg-9Al-1Si matrix composite reinforced with SiC nanoparticles is fabricated by semisolid stirring-assisted ultrasonic vibration, which contains finer grains and a more uniform microstructure compared to that of the Mg-9Al-1Si alloys. The sizes of the Mg17Al12 and Mg2Si phases decreased continuously as the volume fraction of n-SiCp increased from 0 to 1% and then increased apparently when the volume fraction of n-SiCp increased to 1.5%. The steady-creep rates of the 1 vol.% n-SiCp/Mg-9Al-1Si are approximately two times lower than those of the Mg-9Al-1Si matrix alloy at 200 degrees C under applied stress of 70 MPa due to the strengthening effect of the nanosized SiCp. The reason for the improved creep properties is mainly attributed to the obvious grain boundary strengthening, the Orowan strengthening mechanism, the load transfer effect, and the pinning effect of the n-SiCp and the refined Mg17Al12 and Mg2Si phases.