Mechanical properties and microstructure of Mg/SiC nanocomposites fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation based nanomanufacturing

Magnesium, the lightest structural metal, is of significance to improve energy efficiency in various applications. Mg/SiC nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation based dispersion of SiC nanoparticles in Mg melts. As compared to pure magnesium, the mechanical properties including tensile strength and yield strength of the Mg/SiC nanocomposites were improved significantly, while the good ductility of pure Mg was retained. The grain size of the pure magnesium was refined significantly when SiC nanoparticles were dispersed in the Mg matrix. In the microstructure of Mg/SiC nanocomposites, while there were still some SiC microclusters, most of the SiC nanoparticles were dispersed very well. Transmission electron microscopy study of the interface between SiC nanoparticles and magnesium matrix indicates that SiC nanoparticles bond well with Mg without forming an intermediate phase.