Fabrication and Fracture Analyses of SiC Particulate-Reinforced Al Matrix Composites

Abstract

The fabrication process and fracture characterization of 35 and 65 vol% SiCp particulate-reinforced Al matrix (SiCp/Al) composites have been investigated. SiCp composites having different volume fractions of the n-SiCp were synthesized via by pressureless-infiltration at near-net-shape route and were uniaxially tested at room temperature. The SiC particles were mixed with silicasol as an inorganic binder in distilled water. The mixtures were consolidated in a mold by pressing and dried in two step process, followed by calcination at 1000 °C. The SiCp/Al composites were fabricated by the infiltration of Al melt into SiC performs. The experimental results show that volume fraction of reinforced particles in SiCp/Al composites had a significant influenec on fracture section surface characterization in tensile tests. Composite with 45 vol% SiCp, fracture was firstly happen in Al matrix, shallow dimples and intergranular fractures were seen in all the fractographs. With increasing of vol% SiCp, fracture was more brittle in appearance in the composites and the fracture surfaces were flat and less plastic deformations.