Effect of Na₃AlF₆ Addition and Surface Modification of SiCp on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of SiCp/Al Composites

Abstract

Al-matrix composites reinforced with 56.5 vol% SiC were prepared by powder metallurgy with different amounts of additives and surface modifications of SiC_p. The crystalline phase, morphology, elements on the surface of SiC_p and the interface between SiC_p and Al were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS and EPMA. The results show that it is favorable for the reaction between TiO₂-C on the surface of SiC_p and Al at the SiC_p-Al interface at 1 050 °C. Besides, the process of Na₃AlF₆ melting, dissolving and then contacting with Al₂O₃ formed the NaF-AlF₃-Al₂O₃ system, which generated OAlF²⁻, promoting the dessolution of Al₂O₃ film on the surface of Al powder. Na₃AlF₆ meets the needs of chemical reaction in TiO₂-C-Al system at the SiC_p-Al interface in the way of offering more molten Al. After 0.75 wt% Na₃AlF₆ was added into raw materials, the whole TiO₂-C film and most SiO₂ film were destroyed and the interfacial bonding between SiC_p and Al was keeping good, in which no obvious void and crack were observed. Meanwhile, no brittle Al₄C₃ phase formed in the system. At this time, the flexure strength and density of samples presented optimal values, reaching up to 106.5 MPa and 90.77% respectively.

Keywords

SiC_p/Al composites / powder metallurgy / additives / surface modification

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