Al2O3/Al particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composite by displacement reaction

Abstract

The development of a novel Al matrix composite is described based on a simple displacement reaction when an SiO2 particulate preform is brought into contact with liquid Al at temperatures between 1273 and 1373 K. This interaction leads to the wetting of the SiO2 particles by Al and its eventual transformation to a composite with Al2O3/Al particles in an Al matrix. Infiltration of the preform as induced by this reaction takes place with the simultaneous formation of the Al2O3/Al particles in situ. Synthesis of engineered multiphase composites, wherein reinforcements of other materials incorporated into the preform and reacted with liquid Al, is also presented.