Hybride aluminum matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS)

Abstract

Aluminum Matrix composites have been intensively investigated over a long time due to their unique combination of beneficial properties including low density, high strength to weight ratio, increased hardness, advantageous tribology, corrosion resistance, etc. In the present work we studied the combined effect of various reinforcing phases including Al2O3, SiC, Si3N4 and graphene on the aluminum matrix. The composites were fabricated by powder metallurgical method, in which the powder blend was rapidly sintered by spark plasma sintering. The main conclusion was that hybride composite can perform better only if the development of porosity is eliminated by improving the wettability of the reinforcing particles.