Abstract
Alumina particles are one of the most commonly used reinforcing materials in the aluminum-based metal matrix composites. However, the poor wetting between the alumina particles and the molten aluminum alloys makes it unlikely that a conventional alloy manufacturing process can be adapted for use with alumina particles reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The principal purpose of this work was to develop a CVD-FBR (chemical vapor deposition-fluidized bed reactor) technique for the depositions of nickel on alumina particles. The major advantages of this technology are the uniformity inside the reactor and the ease with which the liquid-like solid particles can be handled. These advantages together with its high heat and high mass transfer coefficients make fluidized bed technology suitable for large-scale operations. (from Authors)