Stir Casting Synthesis and Evaluation of SiC Nanoparticle-Reinforced AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Nanocomposites

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">In an attempt to improve its mechanical characteristics in the as-fasted conditions, the AZ31 Mg alloy was investigated herein from being reinforced with diverse SiC weight percentages (3, 6, and 9 wt.%). To develop lightweight AZ31-SiC composites, a simple and inexpensive technique, the stir casting process, was used. Microstructural analysis of the as-cast samples showed that the SiC particles were distributed rather uniformly, were firmly bonded to the matrix, and had very little porosity. The substantial improvement in tensile, compressive, and hardness characteristics was caused by fragmentation and spreading of the Mg17Al12 phase, while the addition of SiC had only a slight effect on the microstructure in the as-cast state. Surfaces of AZ31-SiC composites were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. A study identified the AZ31-SiC composite as a unique material for applications involving a high compressive strength, such as those found in the aviation and automobile engineering fields.</div></div>