Fabrication of alumina short fibre reinforced aluminium alloy via centrifugal force infiltration

Abstract

A new casting process for fabricating short fibre reinforced metal matrix composites via the centrifugal force infiltration of fibre preforms with molten aluminium alloys is described. The effect of processing variables, such as pouring temperature, preheated mould temperature, and time of application of centrifugal force, on the infiltration kinetics and resultant microstructure is discussed. Composites having fibre volume fractions of 4·5, 8·0, 12, and 16% were obtained via this method. Comparisons with existing infiltration technology and the mechanical properties of the composite are presented.

MST/2000