The Effects of Electroless Ni-P Coated SiC on the Properties of Magnesium Composite

Abstract Reuse of magnesium alloy is an essential approach to protecting the natural resources, and it eliminates the waste products dumped in landfills, water, and air. Therefore, the first time the scrap magnesium alloy materials are collected and fabricated, the newly formulated magnesium composites use different techniques, such as vacuum, squeeze, and stir casting. AZ91 alloy from the automobile scrap is used as matrix material, and silicon carbide (SiC) is used as reinforcement. Electroless nickel-phosphorous coating is applied to the ceramic particles to avoid unwanted chemical reactions during the casting process. The adhesion between the matrix and reinforcement is improved by masking the surface of the nonmetallic SiC particles. Magnesium composite is most commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications to reduce weight and improve the strength of the component. The magnesium composite is fabricated through four different methods, and the substrates are tested and analyzed for better results. The sample results taken from the composites are compared to the magnesium alloy obtained from the scrap stock. Comparatively, the substrate produced using squeeze casting shows a lower porosity level of 5.5 %, and it is clearly shown in optical images. Significant improvements in the mechanical properties, such as hardness and compression strength, are obtained, and the wear rate in the prepared composites is reduced to 28 % for the sample produced using squeeze casting instead of the vacuum and stir casting processes.