Behavior of ceramic particles at the solid-liquid metal interface in metal matrix composites

Directional solidification results were obtained in order to investigate particle behavior at the solid-liquid interface in Al-2 pct Mg (cellular interface) and Al-6.1 pct Ni (eutectic interface) alloys. It is found that particles can be entrapped in the solid if adequate solidification rates and temperature gradients are used. Model results showed critical velocity values slightly higher than those obtained experimentally.