Journal Published Online: 22 July 2008
Volume 5, Issue 7

Heat Treatment and Interface Effects on the Mechanical Behavior of SiC-Particle Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composites

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

The interface plays a vital role in composites. Strengthening behavior of SiC-particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites relies on load transfer behavior across the interface, whereas toughness is influenced by crack deflection at the boundary between matrix and reinforcement and ductility is affected by relaxation of peak stresses near the interface. In general, metal matrix composites often behave asymmetrically in tension and in compression and have higher ultimate tensile strength, yet lower proportional limits, than monolithic alloys. Such behavior of composites lies with the factors governing matrix plasticity, which can be divided into two areas: those affecting the stress rate of the matrix, and those which alter the flow properties of the matrix through changes in microstructure induced by inclusion of the reinforcement. This work focuses on the characterization of the mechanical response of the interface to stresses arising from an applied load in SiC-particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites. The composites have been studied in the as-received (T1) and in the T6 and modified T6 (HT1) conditions. In the nonequilibrium heat treatment processing of the composites, nonequilibrium segregation arises due to imbalances in point defect concentrations set up around interfaces. Mechanical properties, including microhardness and stress-strain behavior, of aluminum matrix composites containing various percentages of SiC particulate reinforcement have been investigated. The elastic modulus, the yield/tensile strengths, and ductility of the composites were controlled primarily by the volume percentage of SiC reinforcement, the temper condition, and the precipitation hardening.

Author Information

Myriounis, D.
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Ioannina, Mechanical Behavior Laboratory 45110, Ioannina, Greece Materials & Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
Hasan, S.
Materials & Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
Matikas, T.
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Ioannina, Mechanical Behavior Laboratory 45110, Ioannina, Greece
Pages: 10
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Stock #: JAI101624
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101624