Microstructure and interface studies of AI/SiCP composites produced by dynamic compaction

Explosive compaction is the route that involves a very rapid and intense deposition of shock energy at powder particles surface and can be used as a processing method to produce aluminum-matrix composites. The density variation of the Al-20 vol.% SiCp composite compact have been studied with respect to the variation in the thickness of explosive pads as the one processing parameter. Microstructure and interface properties in compacts have been studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Observation indicated that distribution of SiC particles in Al matrix was different at the periphery and center of compacts. Interfaces between SiC particles and matrix were clean and no reaction product was observed.