The Solidification Microstructure of Ai-Cu-Si Alloys Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe relationship between solidification microstructure and fluidity in MMC was studied. The composites were fabricated by infiltration of liquid metal into a alumina SAFFIL fibers preform under a gas pressure, using alloys of the AlCuSi system as matrices. The fluidity was measured in terms of classic foundry practice (i.e., the distance of flow liquid metal into the preform, while solidifying). The characterization of solidification microstructure in the cast composite was analysed and correlated with the results of fluidity. The attention was particularly focused on such effects as the presence or absence of selective nucleation, the refinement of certain solidifying phases in the presence of fibers and their influence on microstructure formation and segregation of certain elements present in the liquid at the fiber matrix interface. By comparing reinforced and non reinforced zones, it was shown that the presence of fibers resulted in a refinement of the dendritic arm spacing of the α-Al phase, with nucleation of Si on the fibers and without nucleation of primary Al dendrites. The results were discussed and compared with the microstructures and fluidity test of the unreinforced Al-Cu-Si alloys.