Processing of Metal Matrix Composites through Severe Plastic Deformation

摘要

This is the Final Progress Report for an ARO research program extending over a period of 3 years. The program was designed to evaluate the processing of materials using the procedure of Equal-Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) in which a coarse-grained bulk solid is subjected to severe, but controlled, plastic deformation. Two metal matrix composites were investigated in detail: an aluminum 2009 alloy reinforced with 25% SiC particulates and an aluminum 6061 alloy reinforced with 10% alumina particulates. The results demonstrate the potential for achieving high strength and excellent mechanical properties in these two composites. Additional collaborations were established with other leading groups in the field and this led to many new insights in the field of ECAP processing. All of these new developments are described in detail in the publications arising from this program.