Preparation and mechanical properties of SiC／2024 composite by semisolid casting

A SiC/2024 composite was made by semisolid casting.The wetting between SiC and Al matrix is improved by treating SiC particles at a high temperature,coating K2ZrF6,and adding Mg to the Al melt,An effective way to remove the gas around SiC particles was also found.Microstructures were observed under optical microscope(OM) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The results show that SiC particles and Al matrix are well bonded and no gaps or cavities around the particles are observed.SiC particles distribute homogeneously in the Al matrix.The existence of SiC particles results in the increase of wear resistance and strength.