An investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the macro-interface in selectively reinforced aluminium castings

Abstract

The ring groove areas of squeeze-cast Al-12% Si alloy pistons can be selectively reinforced with Saffil (Al₂O₃) fibres or SiC whiskers to provide local high temperature strength and wear resistance. Since the reinforced region and the unreinforced alloy typically have different coefficients of thermal expansion, cyclic residual stress may occur at the macro-interface between them when it experiences thermal cycling. This could conceivably result in fatigue induced damage at the macro-interface, making it susceptible to failure. To investigate this, the strength of the macro-interface has been measured before and after thermal cycling using bimaterial tensile samples. Prior to thermal exposure, samples typically failed at the macro-interface with an average strength less than that of the unreinforced alloy alone. The low initial strength has been attributed to several factors, including poor alloy-reinforcement bonding and an accumulation of brittle particles or other material at the macro-interface. After being thermally cycled 1000 times between 50 °C and 275 °C or given an equivalent isothermal exposure, samples typically failed in the unreinforced alloy or at the macro-interface with average strengths less than those measured prior to thermal exposure. However, there was no clear evidence that fatigue induced damage had occurred as a result of thermal cycling and the strength drop associated with thermal exposure has been attributed to alloy overageing.