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Stir casting process for manufacture of Al–SiC composites

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Abstract

Stir casting is an economical process for the fabrication of aluminum matrix composites. There are many parameters in this process, which affect the final microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. In this study, micron-sized SiC particles were used as reinforcement to fabricate Al-3 wt% SiC composites at two casting temperatures (680 and 850 °C) and stirring periods (2 and 6 min). Factors of reaction at matrix/ceramic interface, porosity, ceramic incorporation, and agglomeration of the particles were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transition electron microscope (HRTEM) studies. From microstructural characterizations, it is concluded that the shorter stirring period is required for ceramic incorporation to achieve metal/ceramic bonding at the interface. The higher stirring temperature (850 °C) also leads to improved ceramic incorporation. In some cases, shrinkage porosity and intensive formation of Al4C3 at the metal/ceramic interface are also observed. Finally, the mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated, and their relation with the corresponding microstructure and processing parameters of the composites was discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, 37200-000, Iran

    Shahin Soltani, Rasoul Azari Khosroshahi & Reza Taherzadeh Mousavian

  2. School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia

    Zheng-Yi Jiang & Alireza Fadavi Boostani

  3. Advanced Processing Technology Research Centre, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

    Dermot Brabazon

Authors
  1. Shahin Soltani
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  2. Rasoul Azari Khosroshahi
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  3. Reza Taherzadeh Mousavian
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  4. Zheng-Yi Jiang
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  5. Alireza Fadavi Boostani
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  6. Dermot Brabazon
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Correspondence to Reza Taherzadeh Mousavian.

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Soltani, S., Azari Khosroshahi, R., Taherzadeh Mousavian, R. et al. Stir casting process for manufacture of Al–SiC composites. Rare Met. 36, 581–590 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-015-0565-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-015-0565-7

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