Microstructure and Wear of a Sintered Composite with a Magnesium Alloy AZ91 Matrix Reinforced with ZrO2 Particles

Resumo

Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry are used to study the microstructure, hardness, density and the wear resistance of sintered composites with a magnesium alloy AZ91 matrix reinforced with ZrO₂ particles prepared using hot pressing. It is shown that ZrO₂ particles are agglomerated in any condition. In addition to zirconia, the structure contains Mg and Mg₁₇Al₁₂. Particles of ZrO₂facilitate an increase in hardness and whose oxidation and abrasive mechanisms predominate.