Mechanical properties of aluminum/quartz particulate composites cast using metallic and non-metallic chills

This paper describes the fabrication and testing of Al/quartz particulate composites cast in sand moulds containing metallic (copper, steel and cast iron) and non-metallic (silicon carbide) chills, respectively. The size of the quartz particulates was between 30 and 100 μm. The quartz content was 3, 6 and 9% by weight. The superior mechanical properties of the castings, particularly the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and fracture toughness, are discussed in relation to their microstructure.