Studies on shock consolidated 2124 Al–40 vol.% SiCp composites

2124 Al reinforced with 40 vol.% silicon carbide particulate metal–matrix composites have been compacted by explosive compaction. The effect of explosive pad thickness on density and microstructure of the compacts has been studied. The hardness variation across the cross-section has also been investigated. The density was not affected much by varying the explosive pad thickness, but there was a significant change in the microstructure across the cross-section by increasing the explosive pad from 9.5 to 27 mm. On increasing the thickness of the explosive pad to 27 mm, finely distributed SiC particles in the matrix of 2124 has been observed at the center of the compact. The dendritic structure of the matrix is intact throughout the cross-section of the compacts. The hardness of the matrix powder was reduced from periphery to the center of the compact due to the softening of matrix. At the center of the compact produced by 27 mm thick explosive pad, the overall hardness on the composite region was measured as 170 VPN, showing that there is a significant improvement in the properties of the composite having finely distributed SiC particles in the matrix of 2124 Al.