Experimental Investigation of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles Reinforced Magnesium Alloy (AZ91E) Metal Matrix Composite by Vacuum Stir Casting Method

In the present investigation silicon carbide nanoparticles reinforced magnesium alloy [AZ91E] composites were prepared by vacuum stir casting process in an inert atmosphere. Required amount of silicon carbide nanoparticles with grain size of 50nm was added into AZ91E molten melt with constant stir speed of 600 rpm and vacuum pressure of 1 lpm to obtain magnesium alloy composite containing 0, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.% SiC_p nanoparticles. The prepared composites were subjected to mechanical and microstructure studies. The mechanical properties were found to increase with the addition of silicon nanoparticles compared to unreinforced magnesium alloy. The maximum impact strength, yield strength and tensile strength were found to be 29.13J, 156 MPa and 401.13 MPa respectively. Microstructure studies reveal uniform distribution of silicon carbide in magnesium alloy matrix.