Chemical reaction of SiCp/Al composites during multiple remelting

In the present study, the chemical reaction of SiCp/Al composites during multiple remelting above the liquidus was investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Transmission Electron Microscope. The experimental results indicated that the chemical reaction of SiC particles increased with increasing remelting temperature and the number of recycling runs. After reaching a certain degree of reaction, no further change occurred during subsequent remelting. The chemical reaction in SiCp/Al composite during multiple remelting could be suppressed by controlling the remelting temperature when silicon was present in the aluminum matrix. When 8 wt% silicon was added to the aluminum matrix, the chemical reaction between SiC particles and aluminum was completely suppressed even during multiple remelting above the liquidus. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.