Magnesium strengthened by SiC nanoparticles

Mg was reinforced with SiC nanoparticles by powder metallurgical technique. The SiC nanoparticles were generated by laser-induced gas phase reaction in a flow reactor and had a median particle diameter of 30 nm. In order to distribute the nanoparticles in the Mg matrix, Mg micropowder with a median particle diameter of 40 μm was mixed or ball milled with the nanoscaled ceramic powder followed by hot extrusion. The mechanical properties of the new material were investigated by tensile tests and creep measurements and the microstructure of the composites were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).