Microstructural characteristics of 2124 Al – 40 vol.% SiCp metal matrix composites produced by room temperature shock consolidation and hot shock consolidation

2124 Al – 40 vol.% SiCp metal matrix composites have been consolidated by room temperature shock consolidation using axisymmetric assembly, and by one-dimensional hot shock consolidation using underwater shock wave assembly. Trimonite powder explosive was used in room temperature consolidation and SEP explosive was used in hot shock consolidation. The thickness of the explosive layer used in room temperature consolidation was 27 mm. The thickness of the water layer employed in the hot consolidation experiments was 15 mm. The hot shock consolidation was carried out at 200°C, 300°C and 400°C. The microstructural variations across the cross section of the room temperature shock consolidated compact and, the effect of the temperature on microstructure and hardness of the hot consolidated composites have been investigated. Microstructural comparison was made between the composites produced by both room temperature consolidation and hot consolidation.