EFFECT OF PARTICLE COATING ON MATRIX-REINFORCEMENT BONDING

A crucial step in the liquid state processing of particulates reinforced metal matrix composites is the incorporation of the ceramic particles into molten matrix alloy. The development of SiO2 coating on fly ash particles is demonstrated as an effective way to improve matrix-reinforcement bonding during the manufacturing by a liquid route of Al matrix composite. Coated structures on fly ash particles were produced by liquid stirring of colloidal SiO2 followed by different heat treatment process. Surface study was carried out by means of scanning electron microscope. Similar studies on uncoated particles were performed for comparative purposes. Microstructural studies were also applied to determine the influence of the SiO2 coating on the interfacial bonding of the composite microstructure. SEM observation shows the SiO2 coating on the fly ash particles has successfully produced and contributes a better interfacial matrix-reinforcement bonding.