Structure formation of AlMg2-AlN composite cast in electromagnetic field

Purpose: Basic material concept, technology and some results of studies on aluminum matrix composite with dispersive aluminum nitride reinforcement was shown. Studied composites were manufactured with use f ex-situ technique and powder metallurgy. Design/methodology/approach: Aluminum nitride powder was manufactured in process of self-evolving high-temperature synthesis SHS. Composite powder Al-AlN was obtained using mechanical alloying. Composite castings were manufactured in stir casting process and poured into graphite moulds under external electromagnetic field. For powder and composite structure characterization some methods were used, including: light microscopy, scanning microscopy, X-ray analysis, characteristic X-radiation analysis and quantitative analysis of selected composite regions. Composite structure and reinforcement distribution was compared with use of quantitative analysis. Findings: Morphology and diffraction pattern of aluminum nitride powder was shown. Typical structure of studied composites with microanalysis results was indicated. Influence of electromagnetic field on structure and aluminum nitride dispersion change was represented. Practical implications: Application of joint casting technique, powder metallurgy and electromagnetic field enabled control of reinforcement dispersion as well as the metal matrix structure. Originality/value: Studies results confirmed the concept proposed for composite manufacturing.