Effect of processing parameters on the production of bilayer-graded Al/SiCp composites by pressureless infiltration

• Published in: Materials letters Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 460 - 464
• Main Authors: PARRAS-MEDECIGO, E, PECH-CANUL, M. I, RODRIGUEZ-REYES, M, GOROKHOVSKY, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 01.10.2002
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Dispersion hardening metals; Exact sciences and technology; Metals. Metallurgy; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Production techniques; Heat treatment; Metal matrix composite; Aluminium; Experimental study; Variance analysis; Composite material; Dispersion strengthened metal; Optimization; Materials preparation; Silicon carbide; Functionnally graded material; Microstructure; Bilayers
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/S0167-577X(02)00528-1

The effects of the following parameters on the infiltration characteristics of bilayer SiCp preforms by the alloy Al-10.77 wt% Si-9.7 wt% Mg were investigated and quantified: process temperature, infiltration time, SiC particle size, percentage porosity in the preform and preform layer height. The contribution of each of these parameters and their interactions to the height of infiltration were determined. In addition, an optimised process for enhanced infiltration is suggested and validated. The parameter that most significantly affects the height of infiltration is the interaction between porosity and the preform layer height. This interaction has a contribution of 42% on the variability of the infiltration height. It is followed by the infiltration temperature and the interaction between particle size and percentage porosity, which contributions are 25% and 23%, respectively. A verification test with the optimum parameters shows good agreement with the projected value of height of infiltration. 17 refs.