Regarding the comparative effect of Si/SiC addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al alloy processed using disintegrated melt deposition technique

In the present study, a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy was reinforced with silicon and silicon carbide, respectively, using disintegrated melt deposition technique. The results of the chemical composition analysis following processing revealed that more silicon in comparison to silicon carbide was incorporated irrespective of starting with the same weight percentages of each element. The results of the microstructural characterization following thermomechanical processing revealed, in common, completely recrystallized matrix, minimal presence of porosity, uniform distribution of Si and SiC in the matrix and identical SI-AI and SiC-Al interfacial characteristics for both the Al/Si and Al/SiC materials. Furthermore, the results of tensile testing revealed an improved combination of tensile strength, ductility and matrix microhardness in the case of aluminum alloy containing silicon when compared to the aluminum alloy reinforced with silicon carbide. The results of mechanical properties characterization were finally correlated with constitutional and microstructural aspects of metallic matrix. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.