Examination of the Semi-Solid Stir Casting Method for Producing Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composites Sumsun Naher, Dr. Dermot Brabazon and Dr. Lisa Looney Materials Processing Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

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Examination of the Semi-Solid Stir Casting Method
for Producing Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composites
Sumsun Naher, Dr. Dermot Brabazon and Dr. Lisa
Looney Materials Processing Research Centre,
Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
Flow Chart for the MMC Fabrication Process
Introduction Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are
a range of advanced materials that can be used
for a wide range of applications within the
aerospace, automotive, nuclear, biotechnology,
electronic and sporting goods industries. MMCs
consist of a non-metallic reinforcement
incorporated into a metallic matrix which can
provide advantageous properties over base metal
alloys. These include improved thermal
conductivity, abrasion resistance, creep
resistance, dimensional stability, exceptionally
good stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight
ratios and better high temperature performance.
Project Aims Casting methods are considered the
cheapest route to produce MMCs. Therefore, the
main aim of this project is to optimise the sir
casting method for an AL-SiC MMC. Computer
simulation and simple experiments will examine
process variables such as constituent materials,
stirrer geometry and position, speed and mixture
temperature. Problems in stir casting arise from
particle distribution, mixing, solidification,
porosity and chemical reactions.
Schematic of the Compocaster set up
Microstructure of an Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composite