Development of Al 319-Micro Silica Metallic Composite by Squeeze Infiltration Technique

Abstract

The objective of present investigation is to synthesize porous micro silica based ceramic preform with varying composition of particles using burn out technique and processing of Al-Micro silica metal-ceramic composites by squeeze infiltration method. Direct squeeze infiltration of 319 aluminum alloy on micro silica preform is successfully carried out with the controlled process parameters of initial preform temperature, liquid metal superheat, squeeze pressure and its rate of application, and die temperature. The preform and composites are characterized using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, hardness and compression strength testing. Porous ceramic preform with more than 70% porosity has been fabricated by PEG as pore former. The infiltrated composite have shown uniform and complete infiltration of aluminum alloy in between micro silica particles.