Interactions of a mild steel with liquid aluminium alloys in conditions of the squeeze casting process

Abstract

Manufacturing of aluminium matrix composites (Al.M.C.) offers possibilities in aerospace and automotive applications, principally because of weight savings. The use of ductile reinforcement, such as steels, limits the typical decrease of toughness and the costs [l–3]. Liquid aluminium reacts with iron and forms brittle intermetallic compounds at the reinforcement - matrix interface [4–10]. To warrant mechanical strength of ferrous alloy reinforced Al.M.C., a continuous metallurgical bond is needed between matrix and reinforcement.