Effect of type of processing on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of a SiC reinforced Al-Cu metal matrix composite

Abstract

In this study, metal matrix composites were synthesized using liquid phase and partial-liquid phase techniques. The resulting composites were examined to gain further insight into the microstructural evolution as a result of change in certain processing steps. The as-processed composites were microstructurally characterized using scanning electron microscopy and tensile tested using an automated servohydraulic Instron testing machine. The mechanical properties obtained were then correlated with the processing associated microstructural features of the composite materials.