Abstract
Alumina short fiber preforms with Al2O3 binder were fabricated and infiltrated with AC8A aluminum alloy melt by squeeze casting. The effects of fiber volume fraction, temperature, and heat treatment on the tensile strength of the composites were investigated. Aging behavior was not changed by the reinforcement. The Al2O3 binder provided a satisfactory interfacial bond between the fiber and the matrix without interfacial reaction or fiber damage. The composites showed peak strength at the fiber volume fraction of 18%, and the strength of the T6 treated composites at 523 K was higher than that of the unreinforced alloy at room temperature. Examination of the fracture surfaces and calculation of the tensile strength using the rule of mixture indicated that the 18% fiber reinforced composite had a strong interfacial bond even at high temperatures.
