CORROSION BEHAVIOUR OF AS SINTERED P/M AL-SIC COMPOSITES

Metal matrix composites based on aluminium alloy matrices are widely being used for structural applications. Though these composites are made by both liquid metallurgy and powder processing routes, the corrosion resistance of these materials is still not well understood. In the present study, an attempt has been made to produce composites consisting of commercial pure aluminium (99%) and silicon carbide particles by the powder metallurgy route and characterize their corrosion behaviour in the as sintered condition in 3.5% NaCl solution of varying pH levels. Results of the study indicate that the composites in the as sintered state have better corrosion resistance than the monolithic material