Aluminium Alloy Matrices Reinforced with Coated Particulate Silicon Carbide

Abstract

The low-cost production and performance of 6061-aluminium alloy matrices reinforced with coated silicon carbide particulate has been studied. The micro-wave vacuum sintering was adopted to prepare the composite in order that the loss ignition is very small. The effect of copper coated silicon carbide has proved beneficial to interfacial bonding and improved the mechanical properties. Differences in the fracture characteristics of specimens containing coated and non-coated particles were observed. The particulates size has much influence on mechanical properties.