Effect of Al_2O_3 particle dispersion on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy reinforced with Al_2O_3 fibers

摘要

AC1B aluminum alloy(Al-4.3%Cu-0.3%Mg) matrix composites reinforced with continuous Al_2O_3 fibers and Al_2O_3 particles were prepared by the squeeze casting process. The dispersion of particles minimized preform compression caused by the squeeze casting. The tensile strength of the composites with fibers in the longitudinal and the transverse directions of the fibers were both improved by the introduction of the particles. In particular, the tensile strength in the transverse direction were noticeably improved by the introduction of particles. Tensile fracture when stretched in the transverse direction tended to propagate near the point of contact between fellow fibers in composite without particles, but propagated in the matrix in the hybrid composites with particles.