Compressive behavior of 7xxx series Al composites reinforced with Al2O3

Abstract

Mechanical properties of 7xxx series Al metal matrix composite (MMC) powders containing different amounts of ceramic were investigated. The ceramic contents of the starting powders were 5 wt.% or 10 wt.%. 7xxx Al blended powder was used for comparison. The powders were uniaxially cold compacted using a cylindrical die with a compacting pressure of 250 MPa and were sintered at 620 degrees C in a dry N-2 atmosphere for 60 min. The heating rate was varied up to 100 degrees C/min. For the heat treatment, sintered parts were solution treated at 475 degrees C and aged at 175 degrees C. Compression tests were conducted to reveal the effect of Al2O3 particle content on the mechanical proper-ties of the composites. Fractography was examined using a scanning electron microscope.