Tensile behaviour of powder metallurgy processed (Al–Cu–Mg)/SiC p composites

Abstract

The tensile behaviour of Al–Cu–Mg alloy matrix composites produced by a powder metallurgy process was investigated as a function of particle size in the as extruded, homogenised, and peak aged conditions. The tensile behaviour of the corresponding matrix alloy which was produced in a similar manner, designated as Control, was also studied. There was a significant increase in the 0.2% yield strength of Control and all the metal matrix composites (MMCs) after homogenisation treatment (53–68%) and peak aging (93–109%), as compared to their values in the as extruded condition. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of Control as well as the MMCs also increases considerably after homogenisation treatment (39–70%), however, subsequent peak aging did not result in any further increase in UTS in case of any of the MMCs. It was found that the finer the reinforcement size, the higher the 0.2% yield strength and UTS in all the conditions. On the other hand, ductility decreased considerably after homogenisation treatment and subsequent peak aging. The results are discussed in the light of dislocation strengthening as well as reinforcement damage.