LAUSR

The A356 alloy system has as a principal alloying element the silicon, where the high levels of such element (4.0–13%) generate excellent casting characteristics [1]. In order to expand its application range, a method commonly used is reinforcing with hard particles to improve the mechanical properties [2]. A wide variety of reinforcements have been used as Al2O3, among others; however, only a few studies have focused on the use of heavy refractory reinforcements [3]. Stir casting is a method of manufacturing composite materials in a liquid state, in which a dispersed phase (reinforcing) is mixed with a molten matrix metal by mechanical stirring. The liquid composite material is then molded by conventional molding methods and can also be processed by conventional metal forming technologies [4].