Quality of the recovered metal matrix as a measure of the efficiency of the MMC recycling process

Quality of composite castings with infiltration reinforcement is dependent on many various factors. Technological parameters of the saturation process, manufacturing methods and quality of components are considered as the basic ones. During the recycling process of composite materials, the basic component that is being reclaimed is the metal matrix. The main aim of this paper is an evaluation of chemical composition and microstructure of the recovered metal matrix material. In the first stage, influence of preparation of liquid matrix metal is analyzed, with particular attention paid to its purity, degree of degassing and overheating, as well as an influence of the reinforcing material type on the final structure of composites obtained in the process of vacuum saturation. Specific of the structure and flaws occurring in such materials are of the particular concern here, as they are decisive for the methods of quality evaluation of these materials. Manufactured composite’s castings are subjected to the recycling process by a melting of the metal matrix on the second stage. The metal obtained in this way is analyzed regarding impurities occurring in its volume and, simultaneously, a comparison of evaluation methods of traditional metal alloys and metal composite castings is performed.