Fabrication of Al 2 O 3 continuous fibre reinforced Al–Cu alloys by axial infiltration process

Abstract

This paper describes the fabrication of Al₂O₃ continuous fibre reinforced Al-Cu alloys by an axial infiltration process which is expected to be used in the production of stick, bar, or platelike composites. A discussion on the infiltrating process gave equations for the critical infiltration pressure and the size of composite defects. Microscopic observations and microprobe analyses on Al-4.43Cu, Al-6.48Cu, Al-10.11Cu, and Al-4.45Cu-1.54Mg (wt-%) matrix composites identified the solidification process of matrix alloys in the presence of Al₂O₃ fibres. The approximate relationships between microstructure, interspace size, and the matrix composition are described schematically. Microsegregation of Cu and Mg in the composites are also analysed quantitatively.