The effect of reinforcement silicon carbide particle size on Al-20vol% SiC composite fabricated
via powder metallurgy route has been investigated. Composite powders consist of alumina and
silicon carbide of different particle sizes (i.e. 3. 7pm, 12.5pm, 17.5pm and 50pm) were mixed for
2 Y2 hours in a tumbler mill. Compacts were obtained by cold pressing the composite powder at
200 MPa and sintering in argon atmosphere at 600°C for 5 hours. Results showed that size of
silicon carbide powder has a considerable effect on the composite properties. As a conclusion,
the use of finer silicon carbide powder has increase the density, hardness, modulus of rupture
and electrical resistivity of the composite.
