Al/CF composites obtained by infiltration method
Anna J. Dolata, Maciej Dyzia, Józef Śleziona
Quarterly No. 4, 2011 pages 310-316
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abstract Aluminium alloys reinforced with carbon fibres can find applications in a variety of light constructions operating in complex load conditions. The methods of obtaining these types of composites are mainly based on liquid-phase methods, where the connection between the composites is achieved as a result of wetting the reinforcement phase with a liquid metal. For these processes, the aluminium matrix should be characterized by high strength, the possibility for heat treatment and adequate technological properties (high castability, good wettability of carbon fibre surface by molten metal). A following important aspect in the Al/CF discussed system is a reduction of reactivity between the liquid aluminium and carbon fibre. In the article, the results of infiltration tests on nickel coated carbon performs by a liquid Al alloy have been presented. In the examinations, aluminium with a silicon alloy (226D) modified by magnesium and strontium were used. The infiltration process was carried out on a Degussa press. The manufactured composite plates were characterized a regular shape, without surface casting defects. The nickel coating prevents the destruction of the fibres, but the reaction of Ni with the liquid aluminum alloy in the boundary area leads to the precipitation of a ductile phase of the Al-Ni system. Decohesion takes place among the matrix and fibres, which allows the supposition that the composite will be characterized by good mechanical properties. This requires experimental verification, which is planned in the successive stage of the research in the project “3D-textile reinforced aliminium matrix composites (3D-CF/Al-MMC) for complex stressed components in automobile applications and mechanical engineering” in the frames of the programme supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education and by the DFG in Germany in the Polish-German Bilateral Project.