Manufacturing of Composite Castings by the Method of Fused Models Reinforced with Carbon Fibers Based on the Aluminum Matrix

Abstract

The paper presents an attempt to produce aluminum matrix composites reinforced with short carbon fibers by precision casting in a chamber with a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The composite casting process was preceded by tests related to the preparation of the reinforcement. This is related to the specificity of the precision casting process, in which the mold for shaping the castings is fired at a temperature of 720°C before pouring. Before the mold burns, the reinforcement must be inside, while the carbon fiber decomposes in the atmosphere at 396°C. In the experiment, the reinforcement in the form was secured with flake graphite and quartz sand. The performed firing procedure turned out to be effective. The obtained composite castings were evaluated in terms of the degree of alloy saturation and the displacement of carbon fibers. As a result of the conducted tests, it was found that as a result of unfavorable arrangement of fibers in the CF preform, the flow of metal may be blocked and porosity may appear in the casting.