Interfacial reactions in SiC p/Al composite fabricated by pressureless infiltration

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced by ceramic phases have been fabricated by various techniques including powder metallurgy, casting, etc. Recently Lanxide corporation developed the DIMOX and PRIMEX processes for fabricating ceramic- and metal-matrix composites, respectively. The PRIMEX process is an innovative technique for fabricating MMCs by the spontaneous infiltration of molten AL alloy containing Mg into a ceramic filler or preform under nitrogen atmosphere in pressureless state without the aid of vacuum or externally applied pressure. Although there were many patents on MMC fabrication by the above pressureless infiltration technique, however, few works on the resulting microstructures and their effects on mechanical properties were reported. Thus, in this study, the effects on interfacial reactions occurring during the fabrication of SiC{sub p}AL composite by the pressureless infiltration technique on microstructures and hardness have been investigated.