Microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium silicide prepared via spark plasma assisted combustion synthesis

The current study reports the swift synthesis of high strength nanocrystalline magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) doped with bismuth (Bi) of 0-0.025 at.% via spark plasma assisted combustion synthesis. The proposed synthesis approach is rapid (similar to 54 min) against the conventional liquid and solid state synthesis routes which warrants prolong duration. XRD and TEM studies reveal the in-situ evolution of Mg2Si phase and substantial doping of Bi. The synthesized Mg2Si compound exhibits higher density (>95). Mg2Si0.975-Bi-0.025 demonstrates the benchmarked Vickers hardness of 484.2 +/- 15.44 Hv(1) and un-doped Mg2Si shows the excellent fracture toughness of 2.09 +/- 0.03 MPa root m. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.