Microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ Al-Mg(2)Sicomposites

In situ metal matrix composites (MMCs) with Mg2Si particulate reinforcement have been developed recently as ultralight materials, In this paper, a bri ef overview of the physical and mechanical properties of Mg2Si and the curr ent status of research on Mg2Si reinforced MMCs is presented, followed by m ore detailed information on recent progress in the research group of the pr esent authors. The effects of element additions and processing parameters o n the microstructure of the composites obtained by gravity casting are disc ussed, together with some mechanical property data. MST/4570.