The use of metal matrix composites (MMC) has increased steadily in the last two decades. Conventional MMC are usually produced by addition of either Al2O3 or SiC particles, or their combinations, into molten pure metals or alloys. However, when preparing the MMC through melting routes, there is significant loss of those costly particles, making fabrication more expensive. Lightweight MMC are important and researchers are urged to develop cheaper production techniques. In this work, the viscoelastic response of a novel aluminum metal matrix composite (AMC) is measured. The studied AMC, with A356 alloy matrix, was produced with a novel technique which allows incorporating reinforcement consisting of Al2O3, SiC and C, novel ceramic particles developed indigenously from colliery shale, avoiding the addition of costly reinforcing agents like Al2O3 or SiC in the matrix. The experimental results, obtained with a dynamic-mechanical analyzer, are compared to those for pure aluminum and commercial aluminum alloys 7075 (Al–Zn–Mg), 2024 (Al–Cu–Mg), 6061 and 6082 (Al–Mg–Si alloys). The objective of this research is to characterize the influence of the temperature, loading frequency and microstructure on the viscoelastic behavior of this novel, low-cost AMC, and to establish the interest of this AMC for applications like, for instance, damping systems, compared to the mentioned alloys.

Peer Reviewed