Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of AZ91D/SiC composites by two step stir casting process

Magnesium alloy (AZ91D) composites reinforced with silicon carbide particle with different volume percentage were fabricated by two step stir casting process. The effect of changes in particle size and volume fraction of SiC particles on physical and mechanical properties of composites were evaluated under as cast and heat treated (T6) conditions. The experimental results were compared with the standard theoretical models. The results reveal that the mechanical properties of composites increased with increasing SiC particles and decrease with increasing particle size. Distribution of particles and fractured surface were studied through SEM and the presence of elements is revealed by EDS study.