Nonlinear temperature characteristic of thermal expansion of Grf/Mg composites

Graphite fiber reinforced magnesium matrix(Grf/Mg) composites were fabricated by squeeze casting technology. M40 graphite fibers were reinforced to AZ91D and ZM6, their thermal expansion behaviors of M40/AZ91D and M40/ZM6 composites in the temperature range from 20 to 490 °C were investigated. The results show that the interfacial species and thermal stress have significant influence on the thermal expansion behavior of the composites. Simultaneously, the longitudinal coefficient of thermal expansion of Grf/Mg composites are affected by the thermal stress, interfacial species and yield strength of matrix alloy, it also decreases with increasing temperature and descending rate of longitudinal coefficient of thermal expansion(CTEs) of Grf/Mg composites changed in different temperature ranges. In terms of different descending rates, the curve of coefficient of thermal expansion vs temperature can be divided into three stages. The matrix alloys M40/AZ91D and M40/ZM6 yield at 170 and 155°C in the thermal expansion, respectively.