Author(s)

V.S. Aigbodion, J. O. Agunsoye, V. Kalu, F. Asuke, S. Ola

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,Nigeria.
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Nigeria.

Ceramic matrix composites reinforced with metals have been developed to overcome the intensive brittleness and lack of reliability of monolithic ceramics, with a view to introduce ceramics in structural parts used in severe environments such as rocket and jet engines, gas turbines for power plants, heat shields for space vehicles, fusion reactor first wall, aircraft brakes, heat treatment furnaces. In view of these the effects of Al-6%Si alloy particles on the ascast microstructure and properties of Tin Tailings ceramics matrix composites produced by powder metallurgy method have been studied. 5-30 weight percent Al-6%Si alloy particles were added. The results revealed that, addition of Al-6%Si alloy reinforcement increased the linear shrinkage, strength and impact energy with a decreased in density, porosity and hardness value. These increases in strength and impact energy are attributed to the uniform distribution and strong bonding of the soft metal phase in the hard ceramic matrix. These results show that better properties are achievable by addition of Al-6%Si alloy to Tin Tailings.

Al-Si alloy, Hardness, Impact energy, Microstructure, Tin tailings and Strength

V. Aigbodion, J. Agunsoye, V. Kalu, F. Asuke and S. Ola, "Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Composites," Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, Vol. 9 No. 6, 2010, pp. 527-538. doi: 10.4236/jmmce.2010.96037.