Preliminary Microstructure and Hardness Studies of A356/Stainless Steel Composite via Gravity Die Casting Technique

Abstract

The microstructure and hardness of A356/stainless steel composite via gravity die casting technique were evaluated. Both nearly completed bonding and incomplete bonding was seen at the stainless steel wire- A356 matrix interface (abbreviated as interface). The variation of microhardness readings across the interface demonstrated the decreasing trend from the centre of stainless steel wire to the A356 matrix alloy. The microhardness at the interface showed the intermediate reading between the stainless steel wire and A356 matrix alloy. Heavily concentrated of needle-like structure at single stainless steel wire as compared to that of double stainless steel wires. Globular structure can be seen in a larger size around single stainless steel wire compared to double stainless steel wires.