Influence of silicon addition on the phase composition of aluminum-matrix composite materials reinforced by silicon carbide particles

This article presents the analysis of the Al–Si–C phase diagram, as well as the isothermal and polythermal sections. The silicon concentration in the aluminum-matrix alloy, excluding the formation of aluminum carbide (Al4C3), is substantiated theoretically. In order to verify the calculations, experimental studies were conducted, which confirm that formation of aluminum carbide does not take place in samples containing silicon in an amount of ≥12% in the aluminum-matrix alloy. It is shown that the experimental values of the amount of the Al4C3 phase were significantly lower than the calculated ones, which is explained by a short time of contact between the aluminum melt and particles of silicon carbide. © 2014 by Begell House, Inc.