Microstructure and grain growth behavior of an aluminum alloy metal matrix composite processed by disintegrated melt deposition

Abstract

In this study, a silicon-carbide particulate (SiCp), reinforced aluminum alloy-based, metal-matrix composite was synthesized using disintegrated melt deposition. Microstructural characterization of the disintegrated melt deposition processed composite samples revealed the presence of columnar-equiaxed shaped grain structure, noninterconnected porosity associated with the reinforcing carbide particulates, improved interfacial integrity between the reinforcement and the aluminum alloy matrix coupled, and a near uniform distribution of the reinforcing SiC particulates in the alloy matrix. An examination of grain growth with the objective of delineating the effects of the silicon carbide particulates revealed a diminishing to minimal role of the reinforcing phase with an increase in temperature from 450 to 590°C.