Effect of cenospheres addition on microstructure and properties of AZ91D alloy

The cenospheres/AZ91D composites were fabricated by melt stir method. The phases, microstructure and tensile fracture morphology of the composites were analyzed using XRD, Olympus metallurgical microscopy and SEM methods. The thermal expansion coefficient（CTE） and tensile properties were measured. The results showed that the cenospheres distribute uniformly in the Mg alloy matrix and refine the matrix microstructure. Mg2 Si and MgO were found in addition to α-Mg and β-Mg17Al12 phases using XRD. The CTE of the composites reduced after the cenospheres are added. The yield strength of the composites increases significantly with an increase in the mass fraction and a decrease in the size of the cenospheres. The tensile strength of the composites achieves maximum when the mass fraction of cenospheres is 9wt.% and the size of cenospheres is 80 μm. The fracture mechanism of the composites is cleavage fracture.