Solidification kinetics of the particulate metal matrix composite

Abstract
The solidification kinetics of metals and alloys can be investigated by means of the derivative thermal analysis. This method have been used to the solidification investigation of the Cu5%Pb5%Ti-graphite composites. The mathematical description of this method for the experimental castings was presented. On the basis obtained equations the rate of the solidification heat emission and the quantity of the solidified phase during this process have been calculated. Comparative measurements of the cooling curves and solidification curves were carried out both the composite and the matrix alloy. Increase of the solidification heat emission rate and the solidification kinetics for composite containing the graphite particles was ascertained in comparison with the solidification of matrix alloy. The hypothesis of the effect of the graphite particles on the composite solidification was presented. The microstructure of the examined composite have been also presented.