Abstract

Metal/metal composites are a group of promising composite materials with high developing and service potential. Especially in many fields they can be a powerful low cost alternative to metal/ceramic composites. The most commonly encountered type of these composites is steel reinforced aluminium matrix composites which stand out with high wear and abrasion resistance. Significant fabrication processes of metal/metal composites are based on liquid metal techniques. In this study, Al/steel composite specimens were produced by using vacuum assisted solid mould investment casting technique. A380 aluminium casting alloy were infiltrated into steel preforms, which were produced with H13 hot-work tool steel turnings, in the plaster based solid investment casting moulds. Micro structure observations, HB hardness measurements and XRD, EDS analysis were carried out for characterization.