Effect of wt.

% SiCp and TiB on the mechanical properties in SiCp/AZ81A magnesium

matrix composite by the method semi solid stir casting
E. I. Bhiftime, Natalino F. D. S. Guterres, and R. Atmaja

Citation: AIP Conference Proceedings 1788, 030040 (2017); doi: 10.1063/1.4968293

View online: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4968293
View Table of Contents: http://aip.scitation.org/toc/apc/1788/1
Published by the American Institute of Physics

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Effect of wt.% SiCp and TiB on the Mechanical Properties in
SiCp/AZ81A Magnesium Matrix Composite by the Method
Semi Solid Stir Casting
E.I. Bhiftime1, a), Natalino F.D.S Guterres2, b), R. Atmaja3, c)
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cenderawasih University, Street Kamwolker, Jayapura 99351, Papua –
Indonesia
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dili Institute of Technology, Street Ai-mutin, Dili 55718, East Timor
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Diponegoro, Prof. Sudarto, SH Street, Tembalang,
Semarang 50275, Indonesia
a)
Corresponding author: irianto.bhiftime@yahoo.com
b)
natalinofonseca81@gmail.com
c)
rifkiatmaja@gmail.com

Abstract. Magnesium matrix composites reinforced with SiCp particles were fabricated using the semi-solid stir casting
process. The purpose of the study was to the effects concentration wt% SiC p and TiB of the mechanical properties of
composites Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp. Variations (3, 6, 9 wt.%) SiCp/Al-Mg composites with different
SiCp and TiB contents were successfully fabricated by semi-solid stir casting. Mechanical stirring technique carried out
in conditions of semi-solid to obtain SiCp particles evenly dispersed. Effects of SiCp and TiB content on mechanical
properties were studied by density, porosity, hardness test, impact test and microstructure images. The results indicate
that SiCp particles disperse homogeneously in AZ81A matrix, and interfacial reaction between matrix and SiCp particles
is effectively controlled. Distribution of SiCp reinforcement and interfacial bonding are improved by adding TiB.
Additionally, the mechanical properties of composites are remarkably improved with the SiCp and TiB content
increasing. The addition of (2 and 4 wt%) TiB gives grain refinement on the AZ81A matrix.

INTRODUCTION
As Mg matrix composites can overcome low strength and low elastic modulus of Mg alloys, so they are very
attractive in the lightweight fields, such as aerospace and automotive fields [1–3]. Among manufacturing methods
available for Mg matrix composites, stir casting is generally accepted as an adaptable and economical route, due to
its simplicity, flexibility, low processing cost and high production rate [4]. Therefore, Mg matrix composites
fabricated by stir casting are widely studied in recent years [1–3]. For Mg matrix composites fabricated by stir
casting, a variety of reinforcements have been used, such as SiC, graphite [5], and aluminum borate whiskers [6].
However, used matrix alloys are almost monotonous. Researchers mainly employed AZ91 alloy as matrix due to its
good castability [3,5,6]. As we know, both matrix and reinforcement can significantly affect the properties of Mg
matrix composites. Therefore, it is necessary and interesting to study the novel Mg alloys matrix composites.
Micron-particle reinforced metal matrix material is usually produced by powder metallurgy [7,8], high-energy
ball milling [9], sputtering [10] and stir casting [11–13], etc. Among all of these methods, stir casting is regarded as
the most productive and economical. However, long stir time is necessary to obtain uniform particle distribution. It
often results in too much gas and oxidation to Mg matrix. Thus, it is necessary to reduce the stirring time to fabricate
high-quality composites[14]. Producing different kinds of magnesium alloys through adding Al, Zn, Mn, Ca and
other elements is considered as a conventional approach to improving the room temperature mechanical properties.
However, recent researchers show that adding reinforcement particles to the magnesium matrices can be more

International Conference on Engineering, Science and Nanotechnology 2016 (ICESNANO 2016)

AIP Conf. Proc. 1788, 030040-1–030040-8; doi: 10.1063/1.4968293
Published by AIP Publishing. 978-0-7354-1452-5/$30.00

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influential in enhancing the mechanical properties compared to the conventional alloying strategies. In this regard,
numerous studies have been conducted to characterize the effects of discontinuous particles on the microstructure
and subsequent mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. It was found that the addition of Al2O3 and Cu led to a
simultaneous improvement of 0.2% yield compressive strength, ultimate compressive strength, and work of fracture
of the AZ31B magnesium alloy fabricated by disintegrated melt deposition technique [15].
For metal matrix composites fabricated by stir casting, particles are generally “pushed” by the solid/liquid
interfaces during solidification, which causes particles segregations along grain boundaries [16]. This type particle
distribution is called necklace distribution, which is well-documented in metal matrix composites fabricated by stir
casting [17]. Al improves the castability and mechanical properties at room temperature. However, at temperatures
above 120oC, Mg Al-based alloys like AZ91 become very soft due to the presence of the Mg17 Al12 phase (gamma
phase) [18,19]. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of the concentration wt% SiC p and TiB of the
mechanical properties of composites Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp to using semi-solid stir casting
method. Specimens were tested focusing on the density, porosity, hardness test, impact test and microstructure.

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
Experiment composites Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp is made by using semi-solid methods stir
casting. The AZ81A Mg alloy is considered as a matrix. TiB (2 and 4 wt.%) to soften the grains in the matrix. SiCp
particles as reinforcement in the matrix AZ81A (Mg alloy). Variation of SiCp is used (3, 6, 9 wt.%). The following
Table 1 chemical composition of the materials are used.
TABLE 1. Chemical composition of materials
Chemical composition (%)
Materials
Al Si SiCp Fe Ti B Mg Mn Zn Other
AZ81A (Mg alloy) 7.6 0.014 - 0.0033 - - Balance 0.13 0.7 0.02
AlTiB (ingot) 93 0.16 - 0.16 5.00 0.98 - - - 0.05
SiCp (powder) 0.03 - 98.6 0.1 - - 0.03 - - 1.24

TABLE 2. Variations in the composition of foundry

AZ81A AlTiB SiCp Total
Composition (wt.%)
(gram) (gram) (gram) (gram)
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 0% 980 20 - 1000
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 3% 950 20 30 1000
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 6% 920 20 60 1000
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 9% 890 20 90 1000
Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 0% 960 40 - 1000
Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 3% 930 40 30 1000
Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 6% 800 40 60 1000
Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 9% 870 40 90 1000

First, the process is to prepare the materials that will be melted AZ81A and AlTiB. The materials are cut with
machines suitable casting composition variation. Then the material is weighed to obtain the composition wt.% which
has been set. Casting composition variation can be seen in Table 2. Then AZ81A and AlTiB put in an electric
furnace, as shown Fig. 1(a).

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 Temperature (oC)
Time (menite)

(a) (b)
FIGURE 1. (a) Electric furnaces stir casting, (b) Temperature vs. time semi-solid stir casting process

And then it is heated to up temperatures of 800°C to obtain a liquid condition. Then the temperature was lowered
to 590°C to obtain semi-solid condition. Meanwhile, SiCp particles and borax are heated in a separate place in the
open electricity at a temperature of 400°C for 1200 seconds. Furthermore, SiCp and borax are included in an electric
furnace and then stirred thoroughly using a mechanical stirrer. Rotational speed stirrer is 500 rpm for 180 seconds.
The metal mold is also heated to a temperature of 300°C. Once everything is mixed and stirred in a state of semi-
solid, then the temperature is increased to temperatures of 750°C to obtain casting conditions. Results casting is
cooled at room temperature 36oC. Figure 1(b). Shows the semi-solid graph of temperature vs. time. After that,
composites was cut to fit the test specimen. Composite specimens were tested with the use, density test, hardness
test, impact test and microstructure.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Density and Porosity

The results of testing the density and the porosity calculations of the composites Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-
4TiB/SiCp were shown in Table 3 below:
TABLE 3. Test results in density and porosity calculations
Materials SiCp (wt%) ρactual (g/cm3) ρtheoretic (g/cm3) Porosity
0 2.63 2.66 1.50
3 2.65 2.71 2.58
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 6 2.66 2.72 2.57
9 2.69 2.76 2.89

0 2.64 2.68 1.49

Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 3 2.65 2.73 2.19
6 2.67 2.76 2.22
9 2.70 2.79 2.43

The density and porosity graphs of casting results with the percentage of SiCp were shown in Fig. 2 below:

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 (a) (b)
FIGURE 2. Graph of (a) density, (b) the level of porosity composite

Figure 2(a) graphs above showed that the density of the composite Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp experienced an average
increase of 1.2%. Whereas, the composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp underwent a decrease in the variation of 6% SiCp; then,
an increase of 1.4% on the variation of 9% SiCp. Figure 2(b) is the composite porosity Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp, it
experienced an average increase of 28%. Meanwhile, the composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp went through an increase in
the variation of 6% SiCp, and then, underwent a decrease of 10.9% in the variation of 9% SiCp. During the process
of stir casting, porosity might potentially occur. In particular, porosity occurs due to a chemical reaction between the
matrix and reinforcing particles. In this case, it caused the gas trapped during the mixing process. Consequently, the
more the number of SiCp was, the more the gas reaction would be; thus, porosity might increase.

Hardness Test
The hardness test of Rockwell B (HRB) which was based on the standard ASTM E18-11 may produce the data
of hardness material shown in Table 4 as follows:
TABLE 4. Hardness Rockwell B test (HRB)
Materials SiCp (wt%) Hardness (HRB)
0 56
3 73.4
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 6 82.2
9 88.3

0 68.2
Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 3 79.6
6 87.3
9 97.6

The relationship graph between the harness of casting results and the SiCp percentage was shown in Fig. 3. The
graph above indicated that the composite hardness might increase along with the increasing percentage of SiCp
addition as shown in the figure. In this case, the highest level of hardness could reach 97.6 HRB at Al-Mg-
4TiB/SiCp with the variation of 20% and the average value of 21.8%. In the composite Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp, the
hardness could reach 88.3 HRB at the variation of 20% and the average value of 33.7%. Therefore, along with the
addition of TiB element, it could increase the hardness value which may reach 10.5% because TiB elements act as
grain refinement structure.

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 FIGURE 3. The graph of composite hardness test

Impact Test
The impact test was conducted according to the standard of ASTM E-23 02a [20]. The test result could be seen
on Table 5:
TABLE 5. Results of impact test
Materials SiCp (wt%) Load of hitter (Kg) Impact value (J/mm2)
0 1 4.43
3 1 3.93
Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp 6 1 4.93
9 1 5.46

0 1 4.56
Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp 3 1 4.06
6 1 4.73
9 1 5.63

The relationship graph between the harness of casting results and the SiCp percentage was shown in Fig. 4
below:

FIGURE 4. The impact price changes on the composites Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp

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 Figure 4 is the impact value of composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp was higher than composite Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp. On
the composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp, the impact value for the variation of SiCp (3, 6, 9 wt.%) increased averagely 4.74
J/cm2. On the composite Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp with the variations of SiCp (3, 6, 9 wt.%), the impact price increased
averagely 4,68 J/cm2. The difference between composites Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp was as much as
0,06 J/cm2. The highest impact value Nilai was on the composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp. The extra level of TiB could
bear bigger impact load.

Micro Structure
The structure micro testing by using Olympus, an optical microscope with a magnification Al-Mg of 100X,
produced photos structure micro of Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp and Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp in the figures below. Figure 5 was the
composite Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp whereas, a part of the matrix that was black were increasingly fine grain boundaries.
Then, Figure 6 indicated that the composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp with black color was on the fine grain boundaries. It
shows that TiB produces grains on that composite. The more SiCp dispersed, the harder it may become.

100 μm 100 μm

(a) (b)

100 μm 100 μm

(c) (d)
FIGURE 5. Micro composite Al-Mg-2TiB/SiCp (a) 0% SiCp (b) 3% SiCp (c) 6% SiCp (d) 9% SiCp

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 100 μm 100 μm

(a) (b)

100 μm 100 μm

(c) (d)
FIGURE 6. Micro composite Al-Mg-4TiB/SiCp (a) 0% SiCp (b) 3% SiCp (c) 6% SiCp (d) 9% SiCp

CONCLUSION
The results obtained in this study to test density and porosity, hardness test, as well as test the microstructure
obtained several conclusions:
1) Value of hardness in the composites will increase, along with increasing wt% SiCp
2) Porosity will increase with increasing levels of wt.% SiCp in the magnesium matrix.
3) With the addition of wt.% TiB the magnesium, matrix gives of improving the grain refinement.
4) Homogeneous dispersion of the SiCp particles within the magnesium matrix can be achieved using semi-solid
stir casting

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