Fabrication of silicon nitride whisker/aluminum alloy composites and some their properties

Abstract

Si3N4 whisker reinforced aluminum and 6061, 7075 and AC8A alloy composites were fabricated by squeeze casting. Tensile and wear tests and micrography of the composites were carried out. The composites are easily fabricative in spite of a large contact angle of Si3N4 with molten aluminum. Though preforms have been produced by the aspiration method, whiskers distribute in the composites in the indefinite preferential direction. The tensile strength of the composites is nearly equal to that of SiC whisker reinforced aluminum alloys, and lowers at elevated temperatures in a similar manner to matrices. The composites are superior in wear resistance and also superior to some degree to SiC whisker reinforced aluminum alloys in machinability. © 1989, The Japan Institute of Light Metals. All rights reserved.