Abstract
Al2O3/metal composites were fabricated by oxidation and reaction of molten Al-alloy into two types of commercial Al2O3-SiO2 fibrous insulation board. The growth rate, composition and microstructure of these materials were described. An AlZnMg(7075) alloy was selected as a parent alloy. Mixed polycrystalline fiber and glass phase fiber were used as a filler. The growth surface of an alloy was covered with and without SiO2. SiO2 powder was employed as a surface dopant to aid initial oxidation of Al-alloy. Al-alloy, SiO2, fiber block and growth inhibitor CaSiO3 were packed sequentially in a alumina crucible and oxidized in air at temperature range 90$0^{\circ}C$ to 120$0^{\circ}C$. The growth rate of composite layer was calculated by measuring the mass increasement(g) per unit surface($\textrm{cm}^2$). XRD and optical microscope were used to investigate the composition and phase of composites. The composite grown at 120$0^{\circ}C$ and with SiO2 dopant showed rapid growth rate. The growth behavior differed a little depending on the types of fiber used. The composites consist of $\alpha$-Al2O3, Al, Si and pore. The composite grown at 100$0^{\circ}C$ exhibited better microstructure compared to that grown at 120$0^{\circ}C$.
