Mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of magnesite and carbon fiber reinforced aluminum composites

Abstract Hybrid aluminum 6061 composites reinforced with various forms of magnesite-white (WM), dead-burnt magnesite (DBM), and lightly calcined magnesite (LCM)-in combination with carbon fiber (CF) were developed through the stir-casting process. The study aims to explore how different magnesite grades influence the mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of Al6061. Mechanical testing, supported by microstructural field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses, was performed to evaluate tensile, hardness, impact, and flexural behavior. Among the developed materials, the DBM–CF composite displayed enhanced strength and interfacial bonding, confirming the beneficial role of DBM’s dense crystalline structure. The work highlights the potential of incorporating natural and waste-derived magnesite as sustainable reinforcements to improve the performance of aluminum matrix composites for structural applications.