Abstract

6061Al-SiCP metal matrix composite materials(MMCs) were fabricated by injecting SiCP particles directly into the atomized spray. The main attraction of this technique is the rapid fabrication of semi-finished, composite products in a combined atomization, particulate injection(10 mutextrmm, 40 mutextrmm, SiCP) and deposition operation. Conclusions obtained are as follows; The microstructure of the unreinforced spray formed 6061Al alloy consisted of relatively fine(50 mutextrmm) equiaxed grains. By comparision, the microstructure of the I/M materials was segregated and consisted of relatively coarse(150 mutextrmm) grains. The probability of clustering of SiCP particles in co-sprayed metal matrix composites increased it ceramic particle size(SiCP) was reduced and the volume fraction was held constant. Analysis of overspray powders collected from the spray atomization and deposition experiments indicated that morphology of powders were nearly spherical and degree of powders sphercity was deviated due to composite with SiCp particles. Interfacial bonding between matrix and ceramics was improved by heat treatment and addition of alloying elements(Mg). Maximum hardness values [Hv: 165 kg/mm2 for Al-10 mutextrmm SiCp Hv--159 kg/mm2 for Al-40 mutextrmmSiCp] were obtained through the solution heat treatment at 530°C for 2 hrs and aging at 178°C, and there by the resistance were improved.