TITLE:
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Composites
AUTHORS:
V.S. Aigbodion, J. O. Agunsoye, V. Kalu, F. Asuke, S. Ola
KEYWORDS:
Al-Si alloy, Hardness, Impact energy, Microstructure, Tin tailings and Strength
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.9 No.6,
June
20,
2010
ABSTRACT: Ceramic matrix composites reinforced with metals have been developed to overcome the
intensive brittleness and lack of reliability of monolithic ceramics, with a view to introduce
ceramics in structural parts used in severe environments such as rocket and jet engines, gas
turbines for power plants, heat shields for space vehicles, fusion reactor first wall, aircraft
brakes, heat treatment furnaces. In view of these the effects of Al-6%Si alloy particles on the ascast
microstructure and properties of Tin Tailings ceramics matrix composites produced by
powder metallurgy method have been studied. 5-30 weight percent Al-6%Si alloy particles were
added. The results revealed that, addition of Al-6%Si alloy reinforcement increased the linear
shrinkage, strength and impact energy with a decreased in density, porosity and hardness value.
These increases in strength and impact energy are attributed to the uniform distribution and
strong bonding of the soft metal phase in the hard ceramic matrix. These results show that better
properties are achievable by addition of Al-6%Si alloy to Tin Tailings.