Three grades of silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced aluminium alloys are studied: one grade fabricated by powder metallurgy and reinforced by ≈25% volume fraction (vf) SiC particulates; two grades produced by casting and reinforced by ≈15% vf SiC whiskers.

Their behavior during hot working is simulated using unloading and holding times during high temperature tension testing. The three grades are also worked by extrusion and forging and the defects appearing on the wrought pieces are observed.

Mechanical properties of the three grades are represented versus temperature in the as received state, in the annealed state and in some cases after forging and annealing.

Microstructure is observed and its influence on mechanical properties is discussed.