The Microstructure, Hardness, and Density Investigation of Mg Composites Reinforced with Kaolin

Abstract

The demand for lightweight, high-performance aerospace and automotive components is growing, prompting interest in utilizing abundant materials like magnesium and its alloys and composites. However, pure magnesium's reactivity and mechanical weaknesses hinder its use in demanding engineering applications. To address this, magnesium is often reinforced with nanoparticles, leading to the development of magnesium matrix composites with improved mechanical properties. This paper systematically investigates the effects of kaolin on microstructure, hardness, and density for magnesium composites through the use of powder metallurgy. Results indicate that increasing kaolin content generally enhances density and hardness. These findings contribute to the understanding of kaolin-reinforced magnesium composites and their potential for improved mechanical properties in various applications.