EFFECT OF AGING CONDITION ON STRUCTURE AND THE PROPERTIES OF Al-ALLOY / SiC COMPOSITE

The heat treatments have been designed to vary the matrix microstructure in P/M processed SiC reinforced 7xxx Aluminum alloys to determine the effects of matrix microstructure, interface behavior on the mechanical properties. Smooth tensile, notched bend tests were performed. The results conclude that the clustered regions have been observed as preferred initiation sites in both tensile and notched bend experiments on the SiC / Al-alloy composites. Despite the relative similarity in macroscopic tensile properties between the under aged and over aged composite, quantitative fractography revealed preference for SiC fracture in the under aged composite and preference for interface or near-interface failure in the over aged composite.