Mechanical properties and creep resistance of Mg-Li composites reinforced by MgO/Mg2Si particles

The mechanical properties at room temperature and the creep resistance at room and elevated temperatures of Mg-Li alloy and composites reinforced by MgO/Mg2Si particles were studied. The (Mg-8Li) eutectic binary alloy is of better mechanical properties than those of the others. The strength, elastic modulus and hardness of composites are much higher than those of matrix alloys. The elongation of the composites is lower than that of the matrix, but it keeps a high level(>4%) and is much higher than that of the Mg-Li base composites reinforced with Al2O3 and SiC fibres. The creep resistance of the composites is significantly increased in comparison with the matrix, such as the creep rate of the composite is respectively 10% and 2% of that of matrix at room temperature and at 160 degreesC. The creep mechanism is also discussed.