Powder injection moulding of an Al–AlN metal matrix composite

A powder injection moulding process for producing fine AlN particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites was developed. The process is a promising low-cost technique for net shape production of complex aluminium metal matrix composite components. Net shape parts of near full density with good strength and ductility were produced. The AlN reinforcement particles exhibited good compatibility and were uniformly distributed throughout the AA6061 matrix. An Al–AlN composite/Al hybrid was also successfully produced. The hybrid parts exhibited good interfacial adhesion and were free of distortion.