Abstract
The change in mechanical properties brought about by forging and heat treating were investigatedfor a SiC–6061 aluminium composite. The composite was prepared by the powder extrusion method. Hardness, strength, and ductility at room and elevated temperatures after various upsetting and heat treating processes were measured using small tensile specimens machined from upset materials. The hardness and strength of the composite at room and elevated temperature is decreased by upsetting, and in contrast the ductility is increased. The decrease in strength and the increase in ductility are maintained even after the post-upsetting heat treatment. In the process which includes upsetting at room temperature, the strength increases owing to strain hardening of the matrix, but this strain hardening disappears after heat treatment and as a result the strength decreases. The decrease in strength caused by upsetting can be explained by taking the degradation of the microstructure into consideration.
MST/3012
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