Development of an AZ91A/Cu Hybrid Composite with Improved Mechanical Properties Using the Novel Technique of Disintegrated Melt Deposition

Abstract

In this study, a hybrid composite based on AZ91A/Cu formulation was fabricated using an innovative disintegrated melt deposition technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization studies of the extruded composite samples displayed uniform distribution of copper and intermetallic phases, good Cu-Mg interfacial integrity and absence of porosity. Results of mechanical properties characterization showed that the addition of copper led to an increase in elastic modulus, 0.2% YS while the UTS and ductility of the composite were adversely affected when compared to the peak aged monolithic AZ91A. The absolute values of elastic modulus, 0.2% YS, UTS and ductility in the case of AZ91A/Cu were, however, significantly higher than AZ91 A/SiC formulations containing much higher volume percentage of SiC. Emphasis is placed on correlating the presence of copper in the AZ91A matrix with the microstructural and mechanical properties of the resultant composite.