1990 Volume 40 Issue 3 Pages 221-228
SiC whisker reinforced composites with AZ31 magnesium alloy matrix were experimentally fabricated by high pressure infiltration of the alloy melt and subsequent hot extrusion. Elastic modulus of the composites increased with increasing the whisker Vf and hence specific elastic modulus of the composites were appreciably higher than those of any high strength metallic materials. The proof stress and tensile strength of the composites were the highest for 20% whisker Vf. However, specific tensile strength of the 20% Vf composites remained nearly the same as that of the high strength aluminum alloys. At 573K, the tensile strength of the composites became almost the same as that of the matrix alloy AZ31. Torsional fatigue strength of the composites was appreciably higher than that of the matrix alloy.
