Abstract
The wettability between molten magnesium alloys and alumina substrate was investigated by the sessile drop method in order to develop the alumina short fiber reinforced magnesium composites. It is suggested that the wettability between molten magnesium and alumina substrate became better and the contact angle decreased from 89° to 80° by adding 3% zinc to the molten magnesium. However, the contact angle increased with increasing aluminum content in the molten magnesium. Based on the results of the wettability measurements, the alumina short fiber reinforced magnesium matrix composites was fabricated by the spontaneous infiltration of molten magnesium into the alumina fiber preform. The compressive tests indicated that the compressive strength appears to be affected by the fabrication process. The compressive strength of the Mg–8%Al alloy reinforced by alumina short fiber was 2 times higher than that of the monolithic alloy at room temperature.
