SiC particulate reinforced A356 Al metal matrix composites were laser treated using pulsed Nd-YAG laser beam. The processing was carried out in air atmosphere at varying pulse energy (5 to 20 J) and scan rates (30 to 150 mm/sec). The samples were cut perpendicular to the track and they were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microstructure of laser treated region consists of regular succession of coarse and fine microstructure signifying the presence of low velocity bands. Transition from cellular/columnar dendritic to equiaxed dendritic structure has been observed. Microstructure of samples laser treated with specific energy greater than 13 kJ/cm2 show presence of Al <inf>4</inf>C<inf>3</inf> platelets. © 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.
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Microstructural studies in low specific energy laser surface treated Al(A356)-SiCp composites
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Abstract
2004
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Keywords
Ceramic materials, Energy dispersive spectroscopy, Laser applications, Laser beams, Microstructure, Neodymium lasers, Scanning electron microscopy, Silicon compounds, Solidification, Surface treatment, X ray diffraction analysis, Dendritic structure, Laser surface treatment, Pulse energy, Aluminum
Citation
Journal of Materials Science, 2004, 39, 8, pp. 2795-2799