Low-pressure casting of high-silicon SiCp composites

The low-pressure casting (LPC) process, which produces high-quality castings, was used to produce castings of Duralcan Al-SiCp composites. Addition of silicon to various amounts (9, 15, 20 and 25 wt%) was made to the composites and they were subsequently cast by the LPC process. Composite castings of thicknesses down to 2 mm were cast by this process, using Duralcan, as well as high silicon-containing composites. Defect-free, quality castings were produced. Microstructure of the LPC composite castings revealed uniform distribution of particles. These composites yielded good strength properties.