Compoforging of Al-Si Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with -SiC: An Alternative Technique

This paper reports the -SiC particles surface modification by copper Electroless Plating (EP), as well as a morphological characterization of Al-Si reinforced composite obtained with such modified particles and consolidated by compoforging. The -SiC particles were obtained by thermal degradation of organic waste. The compoforging technique is a hybrid between the compocasting process and semi-solid forging. The properties of the obtained composite material derive from its globular structure, which is achieved by mixing the semi-solid alloy and the reinforcing particles. This method produced an almost perfect distribution of the reinforce particles. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve minimum defects (i.e. porosity) by applying pressures up to 60MPa.