Casting of metal matrix composites

Abstract

When a cast particle/short fiber reinforced metal matrix composite has been designed for a specific application, its solidification processing involves preparation of Melt-particle slurry, holding it in ladles and casting in moulds by appropriate casting process. Very often, poorly wetting ceramic particles/short fibers are stirred into molten or semi-solid alloys with stirrers of appropriate design placed in a suitable crucible holding the melt, at proper position. Inspite of our long experience in casting monolithic metals and alloys, there are some typical problems arising out of two phase nature of a slurry.