Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al₃Fe Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites Fabricated by a Plasma Synthesis Method

Abstract

The MMCs of Al/Al₃Fe and A2218/Al₃Fe composites were fabricated by injection of Fe particles into the Al melt through a plasma synthesis method. The elastic modulus and yield strength of the fabricated composites were evaluated through the measurement of ultrasonic velocity and room temperature compression test. The measured values were compared with the predicted ones based on the continuum mechanics approach for the elastic modulus and the micromechanics approach for the yield strength. The properties of Al/Al₃Fe were well consistent with the predicted models, while the properties of A2218/Al₃Fe exhibited lower values than the predicted ones. The deviations of the properties for A2218/Al₃Fe were examined in terms of the matrix microstructures.