In Situ Synchrotron Radiation Diffraction Study of Compression of AZ91 Composites Reinforced with Recycled Carbon Fibres

Lightweight structural materials are increasingly sought after in the automotive andaerospace industries for their potential to improve fuel efficiency. Magnesium-based metal-matrixcomposites are potential candidates for these kinds of applications. The use of recycled carbon fibresoffers further energy and cost savings. The recycled carbon fibre composites were manufactured bystir casting with high-dispersion shearing, then were extruded and subsequently heat treated. Thecompressive deformation mechanisms of the composites compared to AZ91 were investigated usingin situ synchrotron radiation diffraction. An increase in ultimate compressive strength was achievedin the composites compared to AZ91. The deformation mechanisms active in the composites weresimilar to those in AZ91. Magnesium alloys in compression typically show extensive twinning; thiswas observed in AZ91 and the AZ91 composites. The stress required for twinning onset was increasedin the composites, and the twin volume fraction at failure was decreased compared to AZ91.