The processing and characterization of sintered metal-reinforced aluminium matrix composites

• Published in: Journal of materials science Vol. 32; no. 24; pp. 6435 - 6445
• Main Authors: BARON, R. P, WERT, J. A, GERARD, D. A, WAWNER, F. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 15.12.1997; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aluminum base alloys; Aluminum matrix composites; Applied sciences; Casting; Crack initiation; Crack propagation; Dispersion hardening metals; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Mechanical properties; Metals. Metallurgy; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Preforms; Production techniques; Sintering; Squeeze casting; Stainless steel; Stainless steels; Aluminium base alloys; Volume fraction; Silicon alloy; Rupture; Mechanical properties; Sintered steel; Composite material; Dispersion strengthened metal; Crack propagation; Stainless steel; Carbon steel; Microstructure; Preform; Crack initiation; Copper alloy
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1018686505563

The current investigation involves the fabrication and characterization of an aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with sintered metal preforms. Two types of metallic preforms were used (steel and stainless steel) and a variety of squeeze casting conditions were investigated using systematic design-of-experiments techniques to determine the effect of casting conditions on the composite microstructure and mechanical properties. It was observed that a detrimental reaction phase containing iron, aluminium and silicon formed around the metallic preform particles, with a lower volume fraction of reaction phase forming at the lower melt casting temperature. This reaction phase appears to promote premature fracture by facilitating crack initiation and propagation. The stainless steel-reinforced composites had a smaller volume fraction of reaction phase and exhibited superior properties compared to the steel-reinforced composites.