Microstructure and mechanical behavior of 6061Al reinforced with silicon nitride particles, processed by powder metallurgy
A critical step in the processing of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) reinforced with ceramic particles is the insertion of these particles into the metal matrix alloy. This greatly influences the strength of the composite since it is controlled by the metal-particle interfacial bond strength. Because of the difficulty in wetting ceramic particles with molten metal, the Powder Metallurgy or PM route was developed. Powder Extrusion consolidates the composite to over 98% dense, and can be carried out below the Solidus Temperature of the alloy. The most important aspect of the microstructure is the distribution of the reinforcing particles, and this depends on the processing and fabrication routes involved, as well as the relative size of the matrix and reinforcing particles. Extrusion can homogenize the structure to some extent, but minimizing reinforcement inhomogeneity during initial processing is important to achieve optimum properties.
- Research Organization:
- Dept. de Ingenieria Mecanica y de Materiales, Valencia (ES)
- OSTI ID:
- 20015214
- Journal Information:
- Scripta Materialia, Vol. 42, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: 31 Jan 2000; ISSN 1359-6462
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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