Microstructure characterization of Al/Calcined Dolomite Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Al/calcined dolomite metal-matrix composites (MMC) were fabricated and tested by varies the calcined dolomite content (10-30 wt%) and using unidirection compaction and sintering as consolidation method. Upon incorporation of calcined dolomite in pure aluminium base metal, the properties of the resultant composite have been enhanced. The composites are lighter than the base metal and it also have high thermal stability due to its high melting temperature compared to base metal. Light materials with high degree of hardness and high thermal stability are prominent materials for wide range of applications. Microstructural studies of the composites have been performed using optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and will be described in this paper.