AI matrix composite containing high volume fraction silicon has been promising candidate for lightweight and low-thermal-expansion components. Whereas, optimization of its mechanical properties still is an open challe...AI matrix composite containing high volume fraction silicon has been promising candidate for lightweight and low-thermal-expansion components. Whereas, optimization of its mechanical properties still is an open challenge. In this article, a flexile powder metallurgy processing was used to produce a fully dense AI-4.0Cu (wt%) alloy composite reinforced with 65 vol.% Si particles. In this composite, Si particles were homogenously distributed, and the particle size was refined to the range of 3-15 μm. Tensile and flexural strength of the composite were 282 and 455 MPa, respectively, about 100% and 50% higher than the best properties reported in literature. The measured fracture toughness of the composite was 4.90 MPa m1/2. The improved strength of 65%Si/AI was attributed to the optimized particle characteristics and matrix properties. This investigation is expected to provide a primary understanding of the mechanical behaviors of Si/AI composites, and also promote the structural applications of this low-thermal-expansion material.展开更多
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2012CB619606)
文摘AI matrix composite containing high volume fraction silicon has been promising candidate for lightweight and low-thermal-expansion components. Whereas, optimization of its mechanical properties still is an open challenge. In this article, a flexile powder metallurgy processing was used to produce a fully dense AI-4.0Cu (wt%) alloy composite reinforced with 65 vol.% Si particles. In this composite, Si particles were homogenously distributed, and the particle size was refined to the range of 3-15 μm. Tensile and flexural strength of the composite were 282 and 455 MPa, respectively, about 100% and 50% higher than the best properties reported in literature. The measured fracture toughness of the composite was 4.90 MPa m1/2. The improved strength of 65%Si/AI was attributed to the optimized particle characteristics and matrix properties. This investigation is expected to provide a primary understanding of the mechanical behaviors of Si/AI composites, and also promote the structural applications of this low-thermal-expansion material.