한국주조공학회

SiC particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composites were fabricated by melt stirring method. The effet of several factors on mechanical properties and the efficiency of melt stirring method from the viewpoint of these properties were investigated. The tensile strength increased and the elongation decreased with decrease of the particle size or the increase of the paticulate volume fraction for pure magnesium matrix and Mg-5%Zn alloy matrix composites. A longer stirring time improved the tensile strength of these composites. The tensile strength of Mg-5%Ca alloy matrix composites which shows no uniform paticulate distribution was a little lower than that of matrix alloy. Rapid solidification rate is preferred for the improved tensile strength of these composites. The pure magnesium matrix and Mg-5%Zn alloy matrix composites have tensile strength of about 400MPa. This value agrees with the tensile strength of some magnesium matrix composites fabricated by liquid infiltration method or powder metallurgy method at the same volume fraction of reinforcements of whisker or particle. Therefore, the melt stirring method which has the advantages of simple process is considered to be efficient in fabricating magnesium matrix composites.