Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of in situ-synthesized ultrafine SiC- and Al2O3-reinforced AA6061 aluminum matrix composites

This study produced silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particulates using an in situ reaction system of silicon dioxide (SiO2)+ carbon (C)+ aluminum (A)l with a molten aluminum alloy. The reaction system was examined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The in situ-fabricated aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The electromagnetic (EM) shielding effectiveness of the fabricated AMCs was measured in the frequency of 1-5 GHz. The heat flow curve obtained from the DSC analysis revealed the temperature required to attain the reaction. The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of SiC and Al2O3 particulates. FESEM micrographs confirmed that the SiC and Al2O3 particulates were distributed along the intergranular region in the AMCs. The in situ-synthesized submicron-level particulates enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. The hybrid AMCs exhibited considerable EM shielding effectiveness.

Automated summary

This study produced SiC and Al2O3 particulates using an in situ reaction system, and analyzed the in situ-fabricated AMCs. The results showed that SiC and Al2O3 particulates were distributed along the intergranular region in the AMCs, and the synthesis of submicron-level particulates enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. Moreover, the hybrid AMCs exhibited considerable electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.