Homogeneity and Percentage of Reinforcement present in Al-SiC metal matrix composite.
I think the most accurate way is to scan the samples with micro Computed Tomography (μCT). Aluminium would give a different grey spectrum which could be completely segmented from the MMC, thus allowing you to visually check the distribution homogeneity. If you want to do a quantitative analysis of the homogeneity then you will have to use additional software on the μCT reconstructed sample (i.e. ImageJ or Avizo Fire).
As it is told by Alexander, computer tomography is highly accurate. If you want a rough and comparative values, simple microstructure analysis with serial sectioning can help you. % can be calculated using XRD also.
Microstructure phase analysis using image analyzer will give the uniformity. Also EDAX quantitative analysis can also help. Tomography may be more accurate.
The phase analysis using SEM with WDS analyzer is good idea too and will give the uniformity. To assess the homogeneity you may use the new RVE theory.
See these publications
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11665-014-1097-2
Article Structure Analysis of the Modified Cast Metal Matrix Composi...
Article X-ray Microtomography Analysis of the Aluminum Alloy Composi...
I think you can show the homogenity for that composite by using FESEM technique. You can choose different places from your sample and start to prepare good polishing and etching to that surface. The images from FESEM good indication about the homogenity of SiC in the Aluminum metal. The percentage of the SiC in the Al can be found by using XRD analysis. As the composite consisting of two different materials such as ceramic powder and metal, therefore, the analysis of XRD can get useful information for the different phases and the percentage of every phases in that samples. I think the results of the XRD gives impression for the percentage of SiC powder in the AL metal surfaces. For more information you can read my article for Al2O3-YSZ composite as follows:
Article Thermal analysis of friction welding process in relation to ...
Simple optical microstructure will do.Carry out volume fraction by manual point count method recommended by ASTM for which softwares are readily available.For manufacture of Al or any MMC's pls contact Mr.Rajesh 9884666013
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