Metal matrix composites processing techniques using recycled aluminium alloy

Among the weight–efficient materials used in the transport industry are the composite materials with metal matrix (Metal Matrix Composites), the aluminium alloy matrix (Aluminium Matrix Composites) being an important category. From the manufacturing process, the low cost method and uniform distribution of reinforcement particulate in aluminium is a demanding challenge in this area. Among various manufacturing methods stir casting is generally accepted as a promising route because of low cost, little damage to reinforcement and stir cast components are not restricted by its size and shape. It also possesses advantages like simplicity, flexibility and applicability to large quantity production. At the same time, aluminium offers intelligent and practical solutions to recovering for recycling. This paper presents an overview of the relatively low cost stir casting technique, for use in the production of silicon carbide/aluminium alloy metal matrix composites, using recycled aluminium. (paper)