Effect of particulate size on the microstructural evolution, aging behavior and mechanical properties of Al-4.5Cu/SiC composites

Abstract

The influence of reinforcement size on the microstructural characteristics, aging behavior, and mechanical properties of Al-4.5Cu/SiC composites were investigated. The aluminum-based metallic matrix was reinforced with SiC particulates using the disintegrated melt deposition technique. Smaller particulates (8 μm) led to a more equiaxed matrix grain morphology compared to the larger SiC particulates (34.4 μm). An accelerated aging kinetics were observed in the composites containing 8 μm SiC particulates compared to the composites with 34.4 μm particulates and unreinforced samples. Mechanical testing of the composite samples revealed an increase in yield strength and decrease in ultimate tensile strength and ductility.