Extruded Magnesium Alloys Reinforced with Ceramic Particles

Ceramic particle reinforced magnesium alloy billets as large as 70 kg were produced by casting techniques. Extrusion of the composite billets was somewhat more difficult than that of unreinforced magnesium alloy billets; nonetheless, magnesium composite extrusions have been produced in several shapes and a wide variety of compositions. AZ31B + 20 vol. % 600 grit SiC possesses excellent stiffness, combined with relatively good extrudability. Z6 (magnesium - 6 wt. % zinc) + 20 vol. % 1000 grit SiC is substantially stronger than any commercially available magnesium alloy extrusion.