Study on Microstructure Characterization of SiCp/Al Composites

Abstract

ZL101 Al alloy reinforced with 55% silicon carbide particulate metal-matrix SiCp/Al composite has been fabricated by pressureless-infiltration. The microstructure characterization of composite has been studied by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. The results show that the SiCp are uniformly distributed in Al alloy matrix, however, there are some casting defects such as shrinkage and gas porosities in the matrix. When Mg was added into the composite, it can improve wettability property of between Al matrixes and strengthen particle SiCp and decrease micro-defects such as gas porosities, the Microstructure of SiCp/Al composite prepared was compact and uniform. The SiCp particles evenly distributed in the matrix and without significant partial segregation phenomenon. It improves the whole performance of the composites.