Mechanical Characterization and Corrosion Behaviour of Magnesium and Boron Carbide Composites

Magnesium is the lightest metal used as the source for constructional alloys.Today Magnesium based metal matrix composites are widely used in aerospace, structural, oceanic and automobile applications for its light weight, low density(two thirds that of aluminum, high temperature mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance.This project elaborately determines the effect of boron carbide (B 4 C) reinforcement in magnesium metal matrix composite for mechanical and corrosion behavior have been investigated.Fabrication of the Mg-MMC was done by the stir casting process.Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength and hardness of the composites were analyzed.The corrosion behavior of the Magnesium composites was investigated by salt spray test and laboratory immersion test method with different corrosion medium.The outcome of the experimental investigation revealed that the proposed composite exhibits high hardness, high yield strength, and low wear rate but no considerable improvement in impact strength.Further the salt spray results that higher corrosion resistance occurs at the base material region.