Strengthening and Thermally Activated Processes in an AX61/Saffil Metal Matrix Composite

AX61 magnesium alloy was reinforced with short Saffil fibres using squeeze cast technology. Samples were cut from the casting in two directions: parallel and perpendicular to the fibre plane. Samples were deformed in compression at various temperatures from room temperature to 300 degrees C. Various strengthening mechanisms such as load transfer, increased dislocation density, Orowan and Hall-Petch strengthening were analysed. During deformation, the stress relaxation tests were subsequently performed. The relaxation curves were evaluated with respect to Li and Feltham equations with the aim to find stress components in matrix and parameters of the thermally activated process(es).