Fabrication and Characteristics of Cast Aluminium-Mineral Particles Composite.

The paper presents the results of research on the production of cast composites based on aluminum alloys with a mineral filler with a porous structure. AlSi12 silumin and AlSi12 silumin with the addition of 3% magnesium (AlSi12-Mg3) were used as the matrix material, while particles of natural zeolite, expanded perlite and expanded clay with a size of 4 to 6 mm were used as the mineral filler. In order to increase the efficiency of the production process, the mineral particles have been covered with a sodium silicon solution with the addition of silicon powder. The coated particles were then heated at 400 ℃ for 1 hour to remove moisture from them. The prepared mineral particles were then placed inside a casting mold and flooded with liquid alloy at a temperature of 790 ℃. The obtained composites were subjected to macroscopic observations and analysis using computed tomography (CT). Phase analysis was also performed to determine the phase composition of the obtained composites. In order to determine the mechanical and physical properties, the obtained composites were subjected to compressive strength tests and density measurements. As a result of the research, it was found that the use of the AlSi12-Mg3 alloy and coating in the form of a solution of sodium silicate and silicon powder allows for the most effective production of composites. The low density of the produced composites, combined with their favorable structure and strength properties, suggest the possibility of use as light products transferring compressive stresses, as well as energy-absorbing products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]