Microstructural evolution and thixoformability of semisolid SiCp/AZ91D Mg composites

Rotation-Cylinder method (RCM) as a primary manufacturing process and thixo forming as a secondary forming process are discussed. RCM allows the produc tion of U-shaped laminar melt surface with Rankine vortex, thus significant ly reducing particle agglomeration and entrapped slags. Thixoforming is of particular interest as a secondary forming process because of the low fluid ity of the composites and the significant wear produced on machining tools and extrusion and forging dies. Some indications about mechanical propertie s of the composites are also presented.