Anomalous reheating behavior of SiCp/Al composite with high volume fraction reinforcement

The reheating behavior of 50 vol.% SiCp/Al squeeze casting composite was investigated at temperatures ranging from 600°C to 900°C using XRD and SEM techniques from the microstructural point of view. It was found that SiCp/Al composite could hold its original shape while being reheated at temperatures elevated even far above the melting temperature of pure Al. The high volume fraction of SiC reinforcement, which would restrict the fluidity of molten Al matrix and the reconfiguration of SiC particles during the reheating of SiCp/Al composite, was thought to be responsible for the “remelting resistance” of the SiCp/Al composite. The extent of the reaction between the SiC particles and molten Al was found to increase with increased reheating temperature. From the viewpoint of controlling the formation of aluminum carbide, reheating temperature either for recycling or for remelting processing of the SiCp/Al composite, a temperature lower than 750°C would be better. Despite its being unfavorable to remelting or recycling processing, the remelting resistance of the SiCp/Al composite with high volume fraction reinforcement is attractive for thermal function and high temperature applications.