Thermal conductivity of Al-SiCp composites by plasma spraying

Pure Al powders with 55 and 75 vol% SiC particles were ball milled in different conditions, and then plasma sprayed to form Al/SiCp composites. The average size of SiC particles was varied from 8 to 30 μm. Thermal conductivity of the sprayed composites was measured at room temperature of 25 °C. The tests showed that thermal conductivity of the composites was relatively low and significant variation with SiC size and feedstock preparation. The mechanism of thermal conductivity degradation in the composites was discussed, and numerical analyses were conducted based on theories of Maxwell and thermal boundary resistance.