Intermetallic Reinforced Magnesium Composite

Magnesium (Mg) matrix composites are attractive for various structural applications due to their excellent specific properties. The proposed work involves developing a new type of Mg matrix composite with intermetallic particulate reinforcement that is produced by standard rapid solidification and powder metallurgy processing. The uniqueness of this type of composite lies in the compatibility between the metal matrix and the intermetallic phase. As a result, the mechanical properties are expected to be superior to other composites with ceramic particulates. The objectives of this work are to develop a feasible processing route for this new composite material and to demonstrate mechanical properties that meet or exceed the properties of AA6060-T651 alloy. The Phase I Option effort will be directed towards producing tubular sections of these composites as a further demonstration of the process capability for this new composite system. The efforts of Phase I and the Phase I Option periods will thus demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing a magnesium composite bipod leg using Touchstone’s technology of intermetallic reinforced particulate composites.