Stepped alloying in the production of cast composite materials (aluminum matrix and silicon additions)

摘要

A cast composite material is made from particles and a matrix alloy of preselected composition that is difficult to wet to the particles. A wetting alloy having a composition that readily wets the particles is first mixed with the particles under conditions that wet the wetting alloy to the particles. The wetting alloy is selected so that is has no alloying elements in excess of that in the preselected matrix alloy, and preferably with wettability inhibiting elements reduced. After wetting and mixing have been achieved, the remaining alloying ingredients are added to the melt to adjust the matrix to the desired composition. The approach is applicable to cast composite materials containing both reactive and nonreactive particles. (aluminum matrix with silicon additions).