Microstructural study of Al-Si-Mg alloy reinforced with stainless steel wires composite via casting technique

Abstract

The microstructural study of Al-Si-Mg alloy reinforced with stainless steel wires (Al-Si-Mg/SSw) has been investigated and focused on the both microstructures in the matrix and near to the interface and also the wetting condition at the interface. The wettability of solid metals by liquid metals is very important in determining the needed properties of the composite systems. In this study, the wetting conditions have been characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Good wetting, incomplete wetting and very poor wetting associated with large voids are seen at the Al-Si-Mg/SSw interfaces. Heavily concentrated of needle shaped eutectic Si particles are found near to the single stainless steel wire as compared to double stainless steel wires. © 2008 Science Publications.