Dry Sliding Wear Properties of SiC/Mg Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering

Magnesium and magnesium matrix composites have the advantages of light weight and high specific strength. In particular, magnesium is the lightest of the structural metals. However, the mechanical strength and wear resistance of magnesium are inferior to those of other metals. In this study, the mechanical properties and wear resistance of magnesium matrix composites were improved by adding TiB₂ or SiC to pure magnesium. The composites were sintered by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method, and their mechanical and wear properties were evaluated. The results showed that the mechanical strength and wear resistance of the composites were improved; 15mass%TiB₂/Mg, 25mass%SiC/Mg showed the highest tensile strength. 15mass%TiB₂/Mg, 5mass%SiC/Mg showed the best wear resistance.