Abstract
The microstructure of Basalt matrix composite materials produced by pressureless aluminum melt infiltration at 950 °C was investigated. It is established that uniform elements distribution is observed within the whole sample depth. Interestingly, aluminum content variation considerably matches the hardness of the sample profile that is connected with alumina phase presence. Sample color changes during temperature treatment due to phase transitions were observed. The appearance of the hematite (Fe2O3) phase makes the initial preform red. After infiltration by molten aluminum, oxygen-deficient alumosilicate phases turn the color black. The infiltration process decreases the porosity insufficiently due to a partial reduction of alumosilicates by molten Al and the hardness of infiltrated samples was only 2.2 GPa. Nevertheless, a huge thermal conductivity rise from 1.45 to 4.53 W/(m·K), along with a fracture toughness increase, makes the produced composite a prospective wear-resistant material. Moreover, the developed low-temperature production technology allows for obtaining a very cost-effective material.
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