Abstract
A new process to produce high-purity AlB2 single crystals in an Al-Cu alloy was developed. This process suppressed the formation of the AlB12 phase by argon quenching from 1300°C to room temperature. The high-temperature heat treatment was coupled with a melt infiltration step to produce AlB2 reinforced Al-Cu composites, with volume fractions of reinforcement up to 20%. Microstructural examination of these composites indicated that the aspect ratio of the flakes was approximately 30 with a high degree of homogeneity in the as-cast structure. Mechanical properties of the composites were measured and compared with those of the unreinforced matrix alloy. At a volume fraction of 20% reinforcement, the composite showed an 80% increase in strength at room temperature with 1% loss of strength up to 150°C. Higher strengths were obtained by partially aligning the flakes along the tensile axis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 153-161 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Materials Science and Engineering: A |
Volume | 225 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 30 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aluminum matrix composites
- Heat treatment
- Metal alloys
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering