SiC particles were stirred and pickled by 10% hydrofluoric acid

and SiC particle reinforced6061 Al matrix composites were prepared by direct electrothermal thixotropic forming.The effects of SiC pickling treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated.The results reveal that interface of the enhanced particles pickled by 10% hydrofluoric acid exhibits straight and clean with occurrence of erosion pit

and the specific surface area of the SiC particles is increased.Meanwhile

the interface of SiC particles with the aluminum matrix exhibits the desirable bonding

and the voids are reduced with absence of impurity phases.The porosity is reduced

and the compactness and the flexural strength are improve remarkably compared with those of the composite which is not subjected to the surface treatment.