The role of the matrix in SiC reinforced composites

This article presents a comparison of the properties of composites based on aluminum or aluminum alloy (Al4Cu) rein- forced with silicon carbide SiCp. The main objective was to analyze the possibility of producing an Al + Cu alloy matrix by basic powder metallurgy methods and its influence on the final properties of the composite. The composites were produced by pressing and sintering, basic powder metallurgy techniques, in order to reduce the manufacturing costs. Sintering was carried out in nitrogen due to the favorable effect of this atmosphere on the sintering of aluminum-based materials. Silicon carbide SiC was used as the reinforcing phase. The study clearly showed that the use of a matrix made of a mixture of Al and Cu powders results in an almost twofold increase in hardness (from 32 to about 60 HB) and a more than twofold increase in flexural strength (from about 200 to more than 450 MPa). Observations of the microstructure confirmed the diffusion of copper into the aluminum and the facets of the Al2Cu phase.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MEiN, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2022-2023).