Influence of Processing Temperatures on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Squeeze Cast Aluminum Alloy Composites

The paper deals with the influence of melt and die temperatures on the squeeze cast silicon carbide particulate reinforced aluminum alloy composites. Samples were produced at the following constant melt and die temperatures: melt-750, 800, 850, and 900 degrees C; die-250, 300, 350, and 400 degrees C. During the specimen fabrication, pressure was maintained at 100MPa. The results reveal significant influence of both melt and die temperatures on the mechanical properties. The optimum melt and die temperatures for the preparation of the composite are 850 degrees C and 350 degrees C, respectively. Tensile and impact strengths, and hardness of composite samples prepared at this temperature combination are found to be better than those of samples prepared at other temperatures. Additionally, microstructures of samples prepared at this temperature combination display a relatively fine grain structure and the smallest degree of particle agglomeration which explain the dependence of mechanical properties on the melt and die temperatures.