Fabrication and Characterization of SiC Preforms for Metal Matrix Composites

In this study, the effect of the PVA amount on the SiC preform properties was investigated. SiC particulates that have 60 μm average grain size were used as preform constituent. In order to produce SiC preforms, slurries that contains SiC, PVA, and colloidal silica were prepared with different amount of PVA and were dried at room temperature for 24 hours. Dried specimens were sintered at 1000°C for 3 hours. Also, specimens were characterized by Archimedes' tests for porosity. Mechanical and microstructural tests were carried out by bending and SEM analysis, respec- tively.