VIBRATION EFFECTS ON THE FABRICATION AND THE INTERFACE OF Al–SiC COMPOSITE PRODUCED BY THE PRESSURELESS INFILTRATION METHOD

Abstract

In this study, an infiltrated Al/SiC composite was fabricated by the pressureless vibration method. Porous silicon carbide preforms with the pore size of 10, 20 and 30[Formula: see text]ppi were used as the reinforcement. The molten aluminum–magnesium alloy was infiltrated into the preforms at 650[Formula: see text]C and 850[Formula: see text]C. The investigation showed complete infiltration at 650[Formula: see text]C, but infiltration at 850[Formula: see text]C broke the oxidation layer and improved the composite quality. Scaning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed the creation of a good interface and connection between the matrix and the reinforcement. EDS analysis also showed spinel phase (MgAl2O[Formula: see text] had been formed in the interface. This phase was formed due to a reaction against Al2O3 in the reinforcements and MgO. The possibility of the formation of MgAl2O4 phase and the wettability between the metal matrix and ceramic reinforcement was enhanced with increasing the temperature.