Dispersion Mechanism and Mechanical Properties of SiC Reinforcement in Aluminum Matrix Composite through Stir- and Die-Casting Processes

In this study, different volume fractions of silicon-carbide-reinforced AA2024 matrix composites were successfully fabricated using stir-casting (SC) and die-casting (DC) processes. The microstructural difference physical properties the during manufacturing process investigated in detail. analysis found that composite produced by SC had some reinforcement clusters pores; however, defects significantly decreased after DC process. particular, degree dispersion was quantitatively analyzed compared before dispersion-analysis method. As a result quantitative evaluation, improved 2.5, 4.6, 4.0 times with 3 vol.%, 6 9 vol.% SiC-reinforced process, respectively. electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) showed grain size (17.67 ?m) 75% smaller than (68.06 ?m). average tensile strength hardness 2 higher those matrix. superior mechanical DC-processed can be attributed to increase dispersivity SiC particles decreases