Development of High Performance Mg/SiC Composites Containing Nano-Size SiC Using Microwave Assisted Rapid Sintering

Magnesium composites containing nano-size silicon carbide (SiC) particulates were synthesized using powder metallurgy technique coupled with a novel microwave assisted rapid sintering. The sintered specimens were hot extruded and characterized in terms of microstructural, physical and mechanical properties. Microstructural characterization revealed minimal porosity and the presence of a continuous network of nano-size SiC particulates decorating the particle boundaries of the metal matrix. Thermal mechanical analysis revealed a marginal reduction in the average coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values of the matrix with the addition of nano-size SiC reinforcement. Mechanical characterization revealed that the addition of nano-size SiC particulates lead to an increase in microhardness, 0.2% yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ductility of the matrix. Particular emphasis was placed to correlate the effects of nano-size SiC reinforcement on the microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of monolithic magnesium.