SiCp particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composites SiCp/AZ91 with low porosity and uniformly distributed particles were successfully prepared by semi-solid stirring. The effects of processing parameters

such as stirring velocity

particle size

rotation direction of propeller stirrer

particle pretreatment

on uniform distribution of the particles in the composites have been investigated. The results show that pretreatment has the dominant effect on the uniform distribution of the particles. High temperature pre-oxidized treated SiC particle can effectively improve interface bonding between particle and the magnesium alloy matrix and promote the uniform distribution due to its better wettability with the matrix alloy. With given other parameters

the larger the particle diameters are

the more uniform distribution the particle is; the lower the stirring speed is

the more uneven distribution the particle is. In addition

with the size of the particle less than 50 μm

the rotation direction of the impeller stirrer is a significant parameter for uniform distribution of the particles. The optimized processing parameters are determined as follows: ascending propeller stirrer

holding temperature of 580 ℃

stirring speed at 400 r/min

particle size of 50 μm and volume fraction of particle in the matrix of 15%.