Preparation and characterization of different surface modified SiCp reinforced Al-matrix composites

Abstract

The effects of SiCp surface modifications (Cu coating, Ni coating and Ni/Cu coating) on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al matrix composites were investigated. Surface modification of SiC particles with Cu, Ni and Cu/Ni, respectively, was carried out by electroless plating method. SiCp/Al composites were prepared by hot pressed sintering followed by hot extrusion. The results show that the surface modification of SiC particles plays an effective role, which is relative to the type of surface coating, and the interfacial bonding become stronger in the following order: untreated SiCp<Ni(Cu)-coated SiCp<Ni/Cu-coated SiCp. The Ni/Cu-coated SiCp/Al composites exhibit the best comprehensive mechanical properties, with ultimate tensile strength (σ_UTS) and fracture strain (ε_f) of 389 MPa and 6.3%, respectively. Compared with that of untreated-SiCp/Al composites, the σ_UTS and ε_f are enhanced by 19.3% and 57.5%.

Keywords

SiCp/Al composite / surface modification / electroless plating / mechanical properties / interfacial bonding

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