The development of new metal matrix composite materials such as the aluminum matrix silicon carbide particulate composite, has provided substantially improved materials for corrosion and wear resistant applications. This is especially true in the food and plastic processing industries, where, wear and corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity are important. The present industry standard is chrome plated nickel and nickel/cobalt alloy bimetallic cylinders. The food and plastics industry are in dire need for better processing chambers (cylinders) due to the advent of in-line processing and newer highly abrasive and corrosive fluropolymers. The goal of the research project is to develop a unique new composite material for use as processing chambers in the food and plastics industries. Working in close cooperation between Schevers Laboratories Inc. and Wisconsin Bimetallic Corporation, the processing parameters necessary to manufacture bimetallic cylindrical chambers having an aluminum matrix silicon carbide particulate composite inner diameter will be investigated. Processing variables such as bonding of the aluminum composite to the backing steel, casting temperatures, centrifugal speed, silicon carbide wetting, anodizing, machining and honing will be investigated. Besides processing of the bimetallic cylinders, materials characterization like wear, corrosion. thermal conductivity, microstructure and particle distribution after bimetallic centrifugal casting will be studied.
