Solidification of In-Situ Aluminium Composites

Systems of Al-W-C, Al-Mo-B and Al-B-C are examined for their suitability for forming in situ composites. Samples are heated up to different temperatures above the melting point of aluminum. By way of comparison, experiments are also carried out on existing composites: Al-TiB2, Al-SiC and Duralcan. After melting, the samples are solidified at different rates. The in situ composites show good size and shape of the improving phase. The heating rate and temperature do not influence the size of the formed improving phase. The in situ composites are promising for application, but their castability needs to be improved. (Author)