Interrelationship between matrix microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of discontinuous particulate-reinforced aluminum alloy composites

Abstract

In this study, silicon carbide particulate (SiCp)-reinforced aluminum alloy-based composites were synthesized using the technique of disintegrated melt deposition (DMD). Microstructural characterization of the disintegration melt deposition-processed and extruded composite samples revealed minimal porosity, a near uniform distribution of the reinforcing silicon carbide particulates and good interfacial integrity between the reinforcement phase and the aluminum alloy matrix. Vickers microhardness measurements and tensile testing of the composite samples revealed the existence of a linear relationship between microhardness and tensile strength. The results are discussed in light of intrinsic composite microstructural features and the presence and distribution of the particulate reinforcement phase. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.