Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC particle reinforced magnesium composites processed by injection molding

The microstructure and the mechanical properties of AZ91 and AJ62 reinforced with SiC particles processed by magnesium injection molding were investigated. As a starting point, melt stirring experiments were carried out on a small laboratory scale. In both processes, injection molding and melt stirring, the particles were found to be distributed homogeneously within in the matrix. Reactions between matrix and reinforcement could be prevented by employing appropriate processing temperatures. The mechanical properties of the magnesium alloys could be significantly improved by the incorporation of SiC particles. Concerning the yield strength, the contributions of various strengthening mechanisms will be discussed in the paper. Based on the strength calculations, recommendations are given on how to further optimize the mechanical properties.