Application of traditional investment casting process to aluminium matrix composites

Abstract

This paper is aimed at studying the application of traditional investment casting process to obtain components in discontinuously particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites. Using the double stir method, a mixed liquid slurry of aluminium alloy and 20% SiC or 7.5% B4C carbides was obtained. As a case study a component from the textile sector was produced in unreinforced alloy and in both composites. The wear resistance of the components in the three different materials was ranked. Moreover, analysis of particle distribution and optical and scanning electron microscope observations of reaction products were also performed. Results show that components in aluminium alloy with SiC as reinforcement have uniform distribution of ceramic particles, sound interface without fragile compounds and wear resistance higher than that of components reinforced with B4C particles.