TITLE:
Tensile Strength of Squeeze Cast Carbon Fibers Reinforced Al-Si Matrix Composites
AUTHORS:
Ahmed A. Moosa, Kahtan K. Al-Khazraji, Osama S. Muhammed
KEYWORDS:
Tensile Strength, Squeeze Cast Carbon Fibers
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.10 No.2,
February
20,
2011
ABSTRACT: Squeeze casting is a pressure casting process in which molten metal is solidified under the
direct action of a pressure. In squeeze casting, the relationship between the process
parameters and the quality of the squeeze cast components is not fully understood; thus the
need for more studies in this area of technology for better understanding of the process. The
present work encompasses studying the effect of direct squeeze casting process parameters
on the production of (3 and 20%) volume fraction carbon fibers (CF) reinforced Al-Si matrix
composites. The evaluated process parameters are squeeze pressure in the range (7.5-53)
MPa, die preheating temperature (100,200,300)°C, pouring temperature (700,780)°C,
squeeze time (30 sec.), and delay time (5 sec.).
The results show a good distribution of the matrix between the carbon fibers when using
higher casting pressures of (38 and 53MPa), lower pouring temperature of (700°C) and
lower die temperatures of (100 and 200°C). Increasing the carbon fibers volume fraction had
led to increasing the tensile strength. The using of higher pressure (53MPa), lower pouring
temperature (700°C), and lower die temperature (200°C) have increased the ultimate tensile
strength of the CF/Al-Si composites to (183MPa) when compared to that of the nonreinforced
alloy which was (168MPa) because of the increased bonding, decreased shrinkage
defects and fibers degradation based on the results. Also, UTS is increased at P=38MPa,
Tp=700°C, and Td=100°C.