A magnesium based metal matrix composite is made from rapidly solidified
magnesium alloy powder and SiC particulate using liquid suspension
coprocessing or mechanical alloying. The composite is suitable for
consolidation into bulk shapes having, in combination, high strength, high
stiffness, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high
hardness. The composite is suited for uses in such applications as space
and missile guidance and navigation and control system precision
components where low density, very high specific stiffness and long term
dimensional and environmental stability are principal performance
criteria.
