2124 Al reinforced with 40 vol.% silicon carbide particulate metal-matrix c
omposites have been compacted by explosive compaction. The effect of explos
ive pad thickness on density and microstructure of the compacts has been st
udied. The hardness variation across the cross-section has also been invest
igated. The density was not affected much by varying the explosive pad thic
kness, but there was a significant change in the microstructure across the
cross-section by increasing the explosive pad from 9.5 to 27 mm. On increas
ing the thickness of the explosive pad to 27 mm, finely distributed SiC par
ticles in the matrix of 2124 has been observed at the center of the compact
. The dendritic structure of the matrix is intact throughout the cross-sect
ion of the compacts. The hardness of the matrix powder was reduced from per
iphery to the center of the compact due to the softening of matrix. At the
center of the compact produced by 27 mm thick explosive pad, the overall ha
rdness on the composite region was measured as 170 VPN, showing that there
is a significant improvement in the properties of the composite having fine
ly distributed SiC particles in the matrix of 2124 Al. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc
ience B.V. All rights reserved.