Structure–property correlation in discontinuously reinforced aluminium matrix composites as a function of relative particle size ratio

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Vol. 337; no. 1; pp. 179 - 186
• Main Authors: Prasad, V.V.Bhanu, Bhat, B.V.R, Mahajan, Y.R, Ramakrishnan, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 25.11.2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Clustering; Dispersion hardening metals; Exact sciences and technology; Fractures; Homogenisation; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metal matrix composites; Metals. Metallurgy; Powder metallurgy; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Production techniques; RPS ratio; Metal matrix composites; Powder metallurgy; Clustering; RPS ratio; Homogenisation; Particle size; Aluminium base alloys; Metal matrix composite; Ductility; Rupture; Experimental study; Tension test; Composite material; Dispersion strengthened metal; Hot pressing; Solution heat treatment; Optical microscopy; Silicon carbide; Metal matrix composites: Powder metallurgy: RPS ratio; Microstructure; Fractography; Strength
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/S0921-5093(02)00024-2

Metal matrix composites made by a powder metallurgy route often exhibit clustering of the reinforcements due to geometrical reasons. The clustering tendency was studied in 2124 Al/30 v/o SiC p composites as a function of relative particle size ratio between the matrix and reinforcement particles. Dry blended composite powders, with different RPS ratios, were vacuum hot-pressed and microstructures were examined to assess the uniformity of the microstructure by measuring the local area fraction of the constituents. It was found that a decrease in RPS ratio resulted in an increase in strength as well as ductility, as a result of improved distribution of the SiC p. The improved response to the homogenisation treatment, observed in the composite with lower RPS ratio, is attributed to the smaller diffusion path length for the alloying element.