Wettability of Silicon Carbide Particles by the Aluminium Melts in Producing Al-SiC Composites

Abstract

The paper is a synthesis of essential data regarding the wetting conditions in aluminium – silicon carbide mixtures. Non wetting conditions between the reinforcing element and the matrix turns difficult the incorporation of particles in the aluminium melt. The wettability depends on several elements, like the presence of the oxide layer at the melt surface, temperature, pressure or shape of the complementary material. To improve wetting conditions, several measures are necessary: alloying of the melt with surface active elements, overheating of the melt; coating of the particles with a metallic thin layer. Also, by using existing data reported in the field, some parameters were calculated and interpreted.