Effect of variation in matrix constitution on the work hardening behavior of a peak age hardened SiC reinforced aluminum based metal-matrix composite

Abstract

An understanding of the work hardening behavior of participate reinforced metal -matrix composites is crucial in optimizing the parameters for deformation processing of these materials. In the case of particulate reinforced composites with an age hardenable aluminum alloy matrix, the microstructure and mechanical properties can be altered by a suitable aging treatment as well as by changing the content of alloying elements in the matrix. In this study MMCs with different levels of Cu in the matrix were prepared and aged to peak hardness. A modified continuum model was then used to relate the work hardening behavior of the composites to microstructural parameters. The model is shown to be accurate for all the composite materials investigated in the present study.