Mechanical Properties of SiC Particle Reinforced Aluminum Alloy Composite

Abstract

Some mechanical properties of SiC particle reinforced 6061 aluminum matrix composites were investigated. The composites were fabricated by a powder metallurgical method. Cold pressed green bodies of uniformly mixed powder were consolidated by hot extrusion into 15 mmφ× 1 m bars.
Mechanical properties depend on SiC particle size and content.
In the case of average SiC particle diameter of 7.2 μm, the ultimate tensile strength (σ_B) of 45 kgf/mm² was obtained at V_f= 20%, and Young's modulus (E) reached 13 000 kgf/mm² at V_f= 30%. High temperature tensile strength of composites (V_f= 20%) is more than 30% higher than that of conventional 6061 Al alloy over the testing temperature range.