Combination of reinforcing powders and matrix alloys for fabrication of aluminum matrix composites by plasma synthesis method

Several kinds of powders and aluminum alloys are adopted to study the feasibility of the fabrication of aluminum matrix composites through plasma synthesis. Some powders do not incorporate into the molten aluminum due to reflection on the melt surface and dissolution in the plasma arc. On the contrary, iron powders are well incorporated into the molten aluminum. The iron powders incorporated into the molten aluminum make angular Al13Fe4 intermetallic compounds in the matrix. In addition, some portion of iron powders dissolve into the matrix and change the microstructures of the matrix alloys. The effects of dissolved Fe on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites are examined.