Using explosive energy for processing aluminum matrix composites

Abstract

This paper concerns the use of explosives in the processing of aluminium metal matrix composites (AMC). These materials were manufactured from aluminium and silicon carbide powders with diameters of: 1, 5 and 10 microns. After stirring, the mixture was pressed under various conditions to obtain relative densities between 82 and 98%. After the samples were treated by explosive compression they were extruded. After explosive treatment, the density was measured and the microstructures were studied using both optical and electronic microscopy. It is shown that a uniform distribution of silicon carbide particles is present in the compressed samples and there is an absence of any defects, including pores. The following factors improve the extrudability of the materials: a) the explosive treatment and b) only using silicon carbide particles with diameters of 1 micron or less. It is concluded that this explosive treatment improves the properties of the AMC and therefore it can be used more widely.