Effect of submicron size SiC particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium matrix composites

•Submicron-SiCp/AZ31B composites were fabricated..•The influence of submicron SiCp for matrix alloy was determined.•Mechanical properties of submicron SiCp/AZ31B composite were enhanced significantly.

The magnesium matrix composites reinforced with three volume fractions (3, 5 and 10 vol.%) of submicron-SiC particles (∼0.5 μm) were fabricated by semisolid stirring assisted ultrasonic vibration method. With increasing the volume fraction of the submicron SiC particles (SiCp), the grain size of matrix in the SiCp/AZ31B composites was gradually decreased. Most of the submicron SiC particles exhibited homogeneous distribution in the SiCp/AZ31B composites. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the 10 vol.% SiCp/AZ31B composites were simultaneously improved. The study of interface between the submicron SiCp and the matrix in the SiCp/AZ31B composite suggested that submicron SiCp bonded well with the matrix without interfacial activity.