EFFECT OF VARIOUS PROCESSING METHODS ON THE INTERFACIAL REACTIONS IN SICP 2024-AL COMPOSITES

SiCp/2024 Al composites were prepared using various processing techniq ues, such as spray forming, powder metallurgical hot pressing, thixofo rming, and compocasting. The interfacial characterizations of these co mposites were performed using scanning electron microscopy, Auger elec tron spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffrac tion on reaction products extracted using the electrochemical dissolut ion. The value of these combined techniques in elucidating the morphol ogies of the interfacial reaction products was also demonstrated. The influence that each fabrication process has on the extent of the inter facial reaction was studied. Adequate process parameters to fabricate SiCp/Al alloy composites were proposed based on thermodynamic consider ations. (C) 1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.