Abstract

In situ metal matrix composites are novel composites for which the reinforcement is formed within the parent alloy by controlling chemical reactions during the composite fabrication. The aim of this research is to develop a novel methodology to manufacture good-quality in situ Al-AlN composites in a cost effective way. In situ Al-AlN composite powder was synthesized with laser equipment with a high power diode laser connected to a coaxial nozzle and projecting an aluminum powder in a N2 as carrying gas. The composite powder fabricated was characterized. Distribution of the projected particles temperature during the fabrication process was evaluated to identify the reaction mechanism. In all cases, the reaction mechanism is a surface type. Also, a relation between the particles temperature achieved during the fabrication process and the AlN atomic structure was analyzed. This composite powder can be directly deposited as coating on magnesium and aluminum alloys conventionally used in the automotive and aerospace industries or can be used to produce pulvimetallurgy composite materials.