Date of Award

2012

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

composite, magnesium, microstructure, tensile properties

Supervisor

Henry Hu

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Magnesium alloy AM60 matrix-based composite reinforced with 7%, 9%, 11%, 22% and 35% of Al2O3 fibers were squeeze casted. The microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated in comparison with the matrix alloy AM60. The results of tensile testing indicated that the addition of Al2O3 fibres to magnesium alloy AM60 led to a significant improvement in mechanical properties. As the fiber volume fraction increased, the strengths and moduli of the composites were enhanced considerably. However, the notably increase in strengths was at sacrifice in elongation. Microstructural analyses via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the grain size decreases with increasing volume fraction of reinforcement. The restriction of grain growth by the limited inter-fiber spacing could be the primary mechanism for a reduction in the grain size of the matrix alloy. The corrosion test showed an increasing in corrosion rates as fibers were added to the matrix alloy AM60.

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