Effect of Sintering Temperature on Different Ca Content in Mg-Ca Composite Using Powder Metallurgy Technique

Having the benefit of lightweight and low density makes magnesium (Mg) a good element with high potential to be used in various field of work. Yet, its application is limited for Mg is relatively low in term of strength. Hence, calcium (Ca) is chosen to be mixed with Mg as additional element for it is lightweight and non-toxic. In this research, Mg is prepared with different weight percentage (0, 1, 2 wt. %) of Ca via powder metallurgy (PM) method. The effect of sintering was investigated by focusing on the microstructure and properties of sintered sample. The samples were sintered at two sintering temperature (500 and 600 °C) in argon atmosphere. Morphological analysis carried out by optical microscope shows increase pores refinement with the increase of sintering temperature together with calcium content in Mg-Ca composites. Results show that the grain size and hardness of the samples increase as sintering temperature increase.