Effect of some parameters of formation on surface graphite-bronze composite layer prepared by vacuum infiltration casting technique

Surface composite up to 3.0 mm in thickness with compact microstructure was fabricated successfully via vacuum infiltration casting technique on the bronze substrate under the optimum experimental conditions: the vacuum degree of -0.08 MPa, pouring temperature of 1220℃, grain size of 0.20-0.24 mm, preheating temperature of 180℃. The preform was mainly composed of graphite particles and binder NJB (self-fabricated binder). The vacuum degree, pouring temperature, preheating temperature and grain size during infiltration casting play an important role on the process of forming the surface composite. The results show that three cases are obtained in the vacuum infiltration casting technique: no infiltration, partial infiltration and full infiltration. The main reason of no infiltration is that the vacuum degree is not enough so that the force acting on the liquid metal is lower than the resistance due to the surface tension and the pouring temperature is somewhat low. Partial infiltration is because of somewhat lower vacuum degree and pouring temperature. Full desired infiltration is on account of suitable infiltration casting conditions, such as vacuum degree, pouring temperature, grain size and preheating temperature. The influencing effect of vacuum degree is most obvious for the formation of surface composite, then pouring temperature and particle size. The infiltration mechanism is discussed on the bases of the different processing conditions.