Fig. 1 SEM micrographs and XRD patterns of SiCp: a SEM micrograph of 0.2 μm SiCp [24]; b XRD pattern of 0.2 μm SiCp; c SEM micrograph of 10 μm SiCp [25]; d XRD pattern of 10 μm SiCp [25]

Fig. 2 SEM images of SiCp-reinforced magnesium matrix composite after hot extrusion: a lower magnification; b higher magnification

Fig. 3 Morphologies of M-SiCp by TEM a, S-SiCp by HREM b in the as-extruded composite

Fig. 4 TEM micrograph at the interface between M-SiCp and Mg a, electron diffraction pattern of secondary phase (Mg17Al12) along \( [1\overline{1} \overline{3} ] \) zone axis b

Fig. 5 TEM micrographs of the composite showing the morphology of secondary phases a, electron diffraction patterns of S-SiCp along [011] zone axis b, Mg17Al12 along \( [\overline{1} 13] \)zone axis c

Fig. 6 Secondary phases at the interface between M-SiCp and Mg: a morphology of secondary phases; b selected area diffraction indicates that secondary phases are nano-MgO particles; c HREM image of nano-MgO particle

Fig. 7 TEM images of interface between S-SiCp and Mg: a TEM morphology of interface; b HREM image of interface; c filtration image of Fig. 7b

Fig. 8 The Second orientation relationship between S-SiCp and Mg: a TEM morphology of the interface along axis zone [011] of S-SiCp; b HREM image of interface; c filtration image of Fig. 8b

Fig. 9 Optical micrographs of as-cast a, as-forged b, as-extruded c SiCp-reinforced magnesium matrix composites

Fig. 10 Fracture surfaces of the as-extruded SiCp-reinforced magnesium matrix composite: a lower magnification; b higher magnification