Abstract
A new method of making metal-matrix composites is reported. This method combines the essentials of three liquid-phase fabrication methods: (i) vacuum infiltration, (ii) infiltration under an inert gas pressure, and (iii) squeeze casting. In this method, the particulate or fibrous preform is placed in a mould and the matrix alloy is placed above the preform. The matrix alloy is heated to the liquidus temperature together with the mould and the preform under vacuum. Then an inert gas like argon is compressed on to the top surface of the matrix-alloy melt, forcing the melt to infiltrate the preform. The pressure is 1000 to 2500 psi. As the melt is just at liquidus temperature, it is much lower than that used in squeeze casting. Moreover, the pressure is an order of magnitude lower than that used in squeeze casting. The low temperature lessens the interfacial reaction between the matrix and the filler, while the low pressure essentially eliminates preform compression. This method has been successfully used to fabricate aluminium-matrix composites reinforced by short ceramic fibres, continuous ceramic fibres, SiC particles, Al2O3 particles, graphite flakes and SiC whiskers.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
B. P. KRISHNAN, M. K. SURRAPA and P. K. ROHATGI,J. Mater. Sci. 16 (1981) 1209.
P. K. ROHATGI, B. C. PAI and S. C. PANDA, —ibid.14 (1979) 277.
M. K. SURRAPA and P. K. ROHATGI, —ibid.16 (1981) 983.
G. BLANKENBURGS,J. Australian Inst. Met. 4 (1969) 236.
C. G. LEVI, G. J. ABBASCHIAN and R. MEHRABIAN,Metall. Trans. 9A (1978) 697.
B. F. QUICKLEY, G. J. ABBASCHIAN, R. WUNDERLIN and R. MEHRABIAN, —ibid.13A (1982) 93.
T. W. CLYNE, M. G. BADER, G. R. CAPPELMAN and P. A. HUBERT,J. Mater. Sci. 20 (1985) 85.
T. DONOMOTO, K. FUNATANI, N. MIURA and N. MIYAKE, SAE Int. Congress and Exposition, Paper 830252, Detroit, 28 Feb.-4 Mar. 1983.
M. G. BADER, T. W. CLYNE, G. R. CAPPELMAN and P. A. HUBERT,Compos. Sci. Technol. 23 (1985) 287.
T. W. CLYNE, M. G. BADER, G. R. CAPPELMAN and P. A. HUBERT,J. Mater. Sci. 20 (1985) 85.
YUTAKA KAGAWA,Imono 58 (1986) 614.
E. T. PETERS,Light Metal Age 44(8) (1986) 5.
E. NAKATA, Y. KAGAWA and H. TERAO,Jpn Compos. J. 9 (1983) 115.
K. K. CHAWLA, “Composite Materials: Science and Engineering”, (Springer, New York, 1987).
C. F. LEWIS,Mater. Engng 103(5) (1986) 33.
Increasing Focus on Silicon Carbide-Reinforced Aluminum Composites,Light Metal Age June (1986) p. 7.
J. C. BITTENCE,Adv. Mater. Processes 132(1) (1987) 45.
F. M. HOSKING, F. FOLGAR PORTILLO, R. WUNDERLIN and R. MEHRABIAN,J. Mater. Sci. 17 (1982) 477.
D. B. SPENCER, R. MEHRABIAN and M. C. FLEMINGS,Metall. Trans. 3 (1972) 925.
D. G. BACKMAN, R. MEHRABIAN and M. C. FLEMINGS, —ibid.8B (1977) 471.
J. YANG, M. ZHU, M. WANG, J. YAN and G. SHU, Proceedings of 4th National Conference on Composite Materials, Dec. 15–21, 1986, p. 515.
Fact Sheets, Dural Aluminum Composites Corporation (1987).
J. YANG,Non-Ferrous Alloys 2 (1985) 29.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yang, J., Chung, D.D.L. Casting particulate and fibrous metal-matrix composites by vacuum infiltration of a liquid metal under an inert gas pressure. J Mater Sci 24, 3605–3612 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02385746
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02385746