Synthesis and Characterization of Mg/MgO Composites through a Cost-Effective Sintering Approach

Abstract

Mg/xMgO (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 wt.% MgO) metal matrix composites (MMCs) were successfully fabricated through powder metallurgy process using a low-cost sintering approach. The effect of varying weight fractions of MgO particulates on density, microstructure, hardness, and compressive strength was studied. The XRD pattern showed distinct Mg and MgO peaks, and no reaction occurred between phases. Microstructure showed an even distribution of MgO particles mostly situated at grain boundaries. Incorporating hard MgO particles improved composites' hardness as well as compressive strength. 0.2% CYS showed an improvement of 6% and 23% with 5% and 10% MgO addition, respectively, when compared to pure Mg. Ductility showed a gradual decreasing trend as the MgO weight fraction is increased. The compressive property degraded in sample containing 15 wt. fraction of MgO reinforcements. © ASM International 2023.