Quantitative characterization of the microstructure of in situ aluminum matrix composites

Abstract

Abstract A quantitative assessment of the microstructure parameters is necessary for making informed decisions on the development and adjustment of technological parameters for the production of cast metal matrix composites. This study gives an estimate of the size and distribution of the reinforcing phases in the structure of in-situ Al-Mg2Si aluminum matrix composites using an automated technique for analyzing metallographic images realized in the ImageJ open-source software with developed macros. A comparison of the quantitative parameters of the microstructure of composites in different parts of the ingot is carried out. The central regions of the ingot are distinguished by higher values of the average quantity of particles per unit of the microsection surface area in comparison with the peripheral regions. The average size of the synthesized Mg2Si reinforcing particles was 16 μm and practically did not vary in different areas.