Elastic and Plastic Behavior of the QE22 Magnesium Alloy Reinforced with Short Saffil Fibers and SiC Particles

Abstract

Magnesium alloy QE22 (nominal composition 2 wt % Ag, 2 wt % mixture of rare earth elements, balance Mg) was reinforced with 5 vol % Saffil fibers and 15 vol % SiC particles. The hybrid composite was prepared via the squeeze cast technique. The microstructure of the monolithic alloy and composite was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Elastic modulus was measured at room temperature and modeled by the Halpin–Tsai–Kardos mathematical model. The strengthening effect of fibers and particles was calculated and compared with the experimentally obtained values. The main strengthening terms were determined. Fracture surfaces were studied via scanning electron microscope. While the fracture of the matrix alloy had a mainly intercrystalline character, the failure of the hybrid composite was transcrystalline.

Keywords

• magnesium-alloy-based composite
• Halpin-Tsai-Kardos model
• deformation behavior
• composite strengthening
• fracture behavior