Effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and microplastic deformation behavior of SiC particles reinforced AZ61 magnesium metal matrix composite

In this paper, solution and ageing heat treatment processes were used to improve microplastic deformation behaviors of as-cast SiCp/AZ61 magnesium metal matrix composites (Mg MMCs) fabricated by stir casting method. Higher percentages of SiC particle reinforcements showed higher microhardness values. Ageing heat treatment process was seen significant on the 12h aged 2wt% SiCp/AZ61 Mg MMC which induced lower microhardness value. At the 12h ageing of 2wt% SiCp/AZ61 Mg MMC the formations of particle free regions and discontinuous secondary phases were observed. For a higher ageing time, the secondary phases distribution became continuous and laminar structure. The addition of 5wt% SiC particles resulted in the formation of Mg2Si phase throughout the whole heat treatment processes. The addition of SiC particles reinforcements increased the phase heterogeneity during ageing heat treatment processes. XRD patterns revealed the presence of nanocrystalline MgSiO3 phase on the 12h aged 2wt% SiCp/AZ61 Mg MMC. Using reference intensity ration (RIR) method a 51.6% of MgSiO3 phase was determined which can cause the formation of microplastic deformation behavior. And also, the maximum average crystallite size, compressive microstrain and microcrack-free phase boundaries were observed on the 12h aged 2wt% SiCp/AZ61 Mg MMC.