AL2O3 AL PARTICLE-REINFORCED ALUMINUM-MATRIX COMPOSITE BY DISPLACEMENT REACTION/

The development of a novel Al matrix composite is described based on a simple displacement reaction when II SiO2 particulate preform is brou ght into contact with liquid AZ at: temperatures between 1273 and 1373 K. This interaction leads to the wetting of the SiO2 particles by Al and its eventual transformation to a composite with Al2O3/AI particles in an Al matrix. Infiltration of the preform as induced by this react ion takes place with the simultaneous formation of the Al2O3/Al partic les in situ. Synthesis of engineered multiphase composites, wherein re inforcements of other materials incorporated into the preform and reac ted with liquid Al, is also presented.