Al-Limestone and Al-Granite Composites Prepared by Cold Spraying

Abstract

Two types of aluminium metal matrix composites (Al-MMCs) were prepared by cold spray process. The first Al-MMC was reinforced with granite rock and the second was reinforced with limestone rock particles. Al powder and rock powders (granite or limestone) were mixed to homogeneous mixtures and sprayed onto the Al substrate. The microstructure of as-sprayed composites was compared with microstructure of MMCs reinforced with commercially available Al2O3. The microstructures of Al-MMCs reinforced with granite and limestone were affected by hardness of rocks, particle sizes and compositions of the mixture. The coating is formed through high velocity impact of solid powders. The diameter of Al powder was about 30 μm and diameters of rock powders were from 5 to100 μm. Rock particles are distributed uniformly through the coating, maintaining their irregular morphologies. However, some large sized particles cracked and fragmented. The powder porosity was approximately 2.3 % for both types of Al-MMCs. Porous microstructure leads to lower critical velocity. The results indicate that, introducing irregular morphologies and/or pores into the feedstock. High quality metallic coatings can be more easily deposited by cold spray.