In situ formed polyvinylsilazane‐derived SiCN‐reinforced aluminum matrix composites with enhanced properties

Abstract In this work, a polyvinylsilazane was in situ pyrolyzed to disperse amorphous SiCN phase as reinforcement in aluminum matrix composites by ex situ cross‐linking of polymer at 300°C followed by mixing with molten aluminum in a bottom pouring stir casting setup. Composites having 2‒6 wt% in situ formed SiCN were synthesized by adding required amounts of cross‐linked polymer which underwent in situ pyrolysis transformation at 800°C under inert atmosphere. Structural characterization of the synthesized composites were conducted using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Significant enhancement in mechanical properties were found for the composites compared to pure aluminum, such as hardness (by ∼78%), ultimate tensile strength (by ∼120%), and compressive strength (by ∼172%) for aluminum matrix composite reinforced with 4 wt% SiCN.