Synthesis and characterization of hollow glass microspheres reinforced magnesium alloy matrix syntactic foam

In the present scenario, a considerable importance is being given to find newer materials for marine applications. An endeavour has been made to synthesis hollow glass microspheres reinforced magnesium matrix (AZ91D/HGM) syntactic foams and analyze its mechanical properties for such applications in the present study. The 40 mm size reinforcement particles have been added with matrix under dissimilar mass fractions of 15%, 20% and 23% to investigate the interfacial reaction, compressive properties, hardness, density, porosity, corrosion resistance. From the experimental investigation, it has been inferred that the density of foams and corrosion rate have been considerably reduced owing to increase in reinforcement mass fraction. It has also been observed that the developed syntactic foam has produced higher compressive strength due to its cushion effect and higher plateau stress. From the porosity phase analysis, it has been found that the porosity has been increased with increasing mass fraction percentage. From the composition structural analysis, Mg17Al12 has been observed as main interfacial reaction between the microsphere and matrix alloy. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.