Processing and mechanical properties of AlB2 flake reinforced Al-alloy composites

C. Deppisch, G. Liu, J. K. Shang, J. Economy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)153-161
Number of pages9
JournalMaterials Science and Engineering: A
Volume225
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 30 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aluminum matrix composites
  • Heat treatment
  • Metal alloys

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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