Effect of Metallurgical Factors on Corrosion Behavior of Al-SiCp Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy

ABSTRACT: The composites are classified as metal matrix composites, polymer matrix composites, and ceramic matrix composites. Many different matrices have been tried over the years in the MMC formulations but aluminum has been most exploited for compositing due to its low density and ease of fabrication. These composites have received considerable attention as a potential advanced material for application in automobile, aerospace, defense, and general engineering sectors. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to fabricate Al-SiCp composite material by powder metallurgy technique at different volume percentage of reinforcements (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%). The corrosion behavior of the composite was analyzed using AC Gill potentiostat with 3.5wt % NaCl medium. Four factors, five levels, and a central composite rotatable design matrix is used to minimize the required number of experiments. The effect of metallurgical factors on the corrosion behavior of the composite was analyzed. The factors include volume percentage of reinforcement, particle size, pH, and reverse potential. KEY WORDS: composites, corrosion, powder metallurgy, central composite design