Fabrication of B4C particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composite by powder metallurgy

Magnesium metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with various fractions of 10, 15 and 20 vol.% B4C particulates fabricated by powder metallurgy (P/M) technique were investigated. Microstructure characterization of the composites revealed necklace distribution of B4C particulates in the matrix material and the presence of minimal micro-porosity. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the formation of MgO and MgB2 in B4C/Mg composites. Moreover, the results revealed that the hardness and wear resistance of the composites were higher than those of as-cast Mg ingot and increased with increasing amount of B4C particulates from 10 to 20 vol.%.