As the wetability between carbon and aluminum alloy is very low, carbon / aluminum composites usually fabricate by the squeeze casting process. In this study, in order to fabricate the carbon fiber reinforced carbon (C/C) reinforced aluminum alloy matrix composites by low-pressure infiltration process (under 1MPa), nickel (Ni) plating on carbon fiber in C/C perform was examined. In order to obtain the thin and homogeneous Ni film on carbon fiber in preform, activator process with tin (Sn) containing bases solution and sensitizer process with palladium (Pd) containing bases solution was pre-treated before Ni plating. Furthermore, in order to obtain the homogeneous plating in all position in preform, Ni plating was examined with the assistance of ultrasonic vibration and one directional flow of plating solution using pump. One directional flow was suitable for the homogeneous plating. Then, the optimum conditions of Ni plating were obtained as 353 K and 120s for temperature and time, respectively. Finally, the preparation of C/C reinforced aluminum composites were examined by low pressure infiltration process. The infiltration behavior of molten aluminum alloy (AA332.0) was identified above 0.2 MPa in applied pressure. As increasing the infiltration pressure till 0.5 MPa, the infiltration ability of molten aluminum alloy increased.
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