Investigation and characteristics of AZ91 magnesium metal matrix composite using the powder metallurgy process

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the mechanical and metallurgical properties of magnesium AZ91 composite. Zinc and Aluminium were selected as reinforcement particles in the Magnesium metal matrix composite. The composites 88.5%Mg-9%Al-1.5%Mn-1%Zn, 87.5%Mg-9%Al-2.5%Mn-1%Zn, 86.5%Mg-9%Al-3.5%Mn- 1%Zn, 85.5Mg-9%Al-4.5%Mn-1%Zn, 84.5%Mg-9%Al-5.5%Mn-1%Zn and 83.5%Mg-9%Al-6.5%Mn-1%Zn are prepared through powder metallurgy. The hardness and compressive tests are used to investigate the mechanical properties of the magnesium composite. The results of the mechanical properties indicate that manganese plays a vital role in improving the hardness of the AZ91 composite. The thermogravimetric analysis investigated the weight ratio % at the 400OC. The scanning electron. microscopic analysis was used to investigate the reinforcement particle's bonding level and the defects on the composite. Based on the results, the manganese plays a vital role in improving the mechanical properties of the AZ91 composite. KEY WORDS: Magnesium, Composite, Mechanical properties, Hardness, Compressive, Corrosive behaviour Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 305-312.                                                          DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.3