Investigation of corrosion behaviour of Al-Si matrix composite materials

Aluminium matrix composites (AMC) are widely used composite materials which are preferred for good mechanical properties and their light weight characteristic. Parts manufactured from AMC materials, that have superior properties, should be used without losing mechanical properties and any corrosion effects. In this study, specimens are prepared by using AMC materials which have 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt% SiC particles and AlSi7Mg2 alloy is used as matrix material produced by using squeeze casting method. Some of specimens are extruded and some of which are heat treated (T6). Corrosion behaviours are observed in 3,5 wt.% sodium chloride solution (NaCl) and 3,5 wt.% sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) using weight loss method, then specimens? macro surface photographs are examined and corrosion rates are calculated. As a result of corrosion experiments it is observed that AMC specimens, which are exposed to %3,5 NaOH solution, have considerably greater rates and these specimens dissolved in a short time. In %3,5 NaCl solution, it is determined that specimens? corrosion rates increases with the amount of added reinforced SiC particles. Keywords : Corrosion, Aluminium matrix composites, Corrosion rate