Comparative property study on extruded Mg–HAP and ZM61–HAP composites

Present investigation explored the development of Mg–HAP (magnesium-hydroxyapatite) and ZM61–HAP composites by melting and extrusion route. The ZM61 matrix consisted of 93 wt% Mg, 6 wt% Zn and 1 wt% Mn. The different amounts of chemically synthesized HAP powder (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) were added to Mg melts and mechanical stir was used for the dispersion of HAP particles in the matrix. The as-cast billets were subjected to homogenization at 450 °C and finally extruded at 320 °C. The presence of HAP particles during extrusion resulted in decrease of grain size of the composites. The ZM61–HAP composites showed finer grain and higher hardness than Mg–HAP composites. The tensile and compressive properties of ZM61–HAP were found to be higher than Mg–HAP composites.