The Creep Resistance of Short-Fibre Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

The creep resistance of two discontinuously reinforced with 20 vol.% alumina short-fibres magnesium composites were examined by performing a comparison between the creep properties of these composites and their magnesium matrix alloys AZ 91 and QE 22. It was found that the magnesium AZ 91 composite exhibits an improved creep resistance arising mainly from an efficient load transfer effect and the existence of a threshold stress, respectively. By contrast, the beneficial effect of reinforcement and the improved creep resistance of the QE 22 composite is significantly influenced by the creep loading conditions.