Abstract

Porosity in aluminium matrix composites: cause, effect and defence

Author(s): Devinder Priyadarshi, Rajesh Kumar Sharma

The popularity of Aluminium matrix composites is drawn from the properties they possess; however, these mechanical properties are adversely affected by the presence of porosity. This paper provides a comprehensive insight into the concept of porosity, the major factors leading to occurrence of porosity in a cast composite and the effects that the porosity content has on the mechanical properties of the cast composites which ultimately affect the life and performance of the composite. Further it discusses the methods that can be adopted to minimize the occurrence of porosity. These methods are to be adopted in different stages of the casting process and each of the method has proved beneficial in the task of reducing the overall percentage of porosity in a cast aluminium matrix composite. These include variation in the casting techniques and processing parameters, alteration in the composition of the ingredient materials, the timing of the ingredient incorporation and the mode of ingredient incorporation.