Cladding of AlSiC Metal Matrix Composites

Forschungspraktikum / Research Internship

(or – extended –) B.Sc. or M.Sc. thesis

Cladding of AlSiC Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMC), such as aluminium – ceramic (SiC) particulate ones, have gained significant interest from the transportation industry. Their low density and high specific properties make them suitable candidates for lightweighting to improve fuel efficiency, therewith reducing both the economic and environmental impact. Al-alloys for aerospace applications are often utilized in the “ALCLAD” form, where the high strength Al alloy (e.g. 2XXX or 7XXX series) is clad with a layer of high purity Al for better corrosion protection. Moreover, cladding the MMC-based material with a pure Al alloy improves the surface finish.

The aim of the actual project is to develop ALCLAD-MMCs as sheet material with improved properties and deliver the MMCs in similar forms to those ones actually used in industry.

The scope of this internship will cover the experiments performed on various grades of Al alloys to develop the cladding process by rolling. This includes material preparation, hot roll bonding, hot rolling and finally investigating the limits and quality of cladding as well as evaluating the success of the different processing routes investigated.

Earliest start date:  KW 22