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Pulse laser processing of a SiC/Al-alloy metal matrix composite

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 February 2011

Narendra B. Dahotre ,
Mary Helen McCay ,
T. Dwayne McCay ,
Santosh Gopinathan  and
Lawrence F. Allard
Narendra B. Dahotre
Affiliation:
Center for Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Mary Helen McCay
Affiliation:
Center for Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
T. Dwayne McCay
Affiliation:
Center for Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Santosh Gopinathan
Affiliation:
Center for Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Lawrence F. Allard
Affiliation:
High Temperature Materials Laboratory, Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831
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Abstract

The microstructural changes and the tensile behavior of laser processed A356-Al alloy matrix composites reinforced with 10 and 20 vol.% SiC particulates are characterized. The autogenous bead-on-plate welds were made using a pulsed CO2 laser operating at a peak power level of 3.2 kW. The pulse on-time was constant at 20 ms and the off-time was varied from 20 to 2 ms (duty cycles of 50–91%). The microstructure of the laser melted region was investigated by optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray microchemical analysis techniques. The extent of microstructural changes varied directly with duty cycle, i.e., being a maximum for the longest (91%) duty cycles. Pulsed laser processing produced partial to complete dissolution of SiC particles and sometimes resulted in the formation of aluminum carbide. The associated rapid cooling also produced a fine distribution of nonequilibrium complex precipitates. In addition, the laser energy modified the SiC surface both physically and chemically. The results of tensile tests indicated that the modified SiC and the distribution of fine nonequilibrium precipitates enhance the mechanical properties of the laser processed composites. Optimum changes in microstructure and mechanical properties were obtained in the composites processed with intermediate (67 and 74%) duty cycles; therefore pulsed processing appears to be a strong candidate for successful joining of these MMCs.

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Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 6 , Issue 3 , March 1991 , pp. 514 - 529
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1991

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