Mechanical & Tribological behaviour of Squeeze casted Mg/SiC Composites for Defense Applications

Abstract

Abstract Nowadays Magnesium Matrix composites (MMCs) replace conventional materials with their enhanced properties in notable biomedical applications like cardiovascular stents, dental implants, etc. and also in chemical, aerospace and automotive applications owing to lightweight structural and low density properties. This research work discusses about mechanical and wears behaviour of the Magnesium Matrix Composites fabrication using combined squeeze cast & stir casting route. By this liquid metallurgy manufacturing route, agglomeration and non-uniform dispersion of reinforcement particulates were reduced which in turn improves the properties and also specific performance of the produced composites. Pure Mg powder is chosen as base and Micron sized Silicon Carbide is taken as reinforcement companion to fabricate magnesium composites of different weight (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%) fractions. It was observed that enhancement in Micro hardness to 40%, Wear test results shows 28% reduction in wear rate with addition of 12 wt% SiC when compared with pure magnesium composite. It was also noted that the addition of 12 wt% SiC, the produced composite’s compressive behaviour is increased from 83 MPa to 176 MPa.