Suppression of Segregation, Settling and Agglomeration in Mechanically Processed Composites Fabricated by a Semisolid Agitation Processes

The development of metal matrix composites is of great interest in industrial applications for lighter materials with high specific strength, stiffness and heat resistance. An attempt has been made in the present investigation to study and systematically record the effects of secondary mechanical processing with different reductions on the porosity, microstructure and mechanical properties of high strength and highly uniform Al matrix composites. In order to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the conventional stir casting techniques, semisolid agitation processes was employed. It is observed that the fabrication of these composites via compocasting technique plus reduction (90 %) during cold rolling process lead to reasonably uniform distribution of particles in the matrix and minimum clustering or agglomeration of the reinforcing phase. The as-cast composite exhibited higher porosity content as compared with the composite in the rolled conditions.