Abstract:SiC particulate reinforced 6066 aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs) were prepared by multi layer spray forming. The preparation technology and process parameters were discussed. It is shown that SiC particulate can be continuously and evenly fed and co-deposited in the spray forming process. The reciprocally scanning movement of spraying system can make the SiC particulates distribute homogeneously in the composite. The ratio of SiC particulates captured by the metal matrix is influenced by process parameters, especially the metal flow rate. 6066/SiC_p composite preforms of d300 mm×540 mm and tubes with a size of up to d650/d300 mm×1 000 mm were made by the same process. After extrusion and T6 heat treatment, the multi-layer spray deposited 6066/SiC_p composites can achieve improved properties.

Key words: multi-layer spray deposition; 6066 aluminium alloy; SiC particulate reinforced MMCs