Microstructure and mechanical properties of sintered porous magnesium using polymethyl methacrylate as the space holder

Porous Mg has been prepared by powder metallurgy using spherical polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the space holder. The PMMA is thoroughly decomposed and removed from the porous Mg after being sintered at 400   °C and then 550   °C. Small amount of MgO forms by the effects of decomposition products. The sintered density of porous Mg decreases from 1.72 to 1.05   g   cm −3 with increasing content of PMMA from 0% to 30%. The porosity of the porous Mg increases up to 40% with increasing content of PMMA. The ultimate compressive strength ranges between 25 and 170   MPa and decreases with increasing porosity.