SiC whiskers-aluminium 6061 composite: microstructure and mechanical characteristic anisotropy

The correlation has been studied between the microstructure and the tensile and compressive properties of composite extruded bars of aluminium 6061 alloy matrix reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers. The material was tested before and after being subjected to T6 heat treatment. Different degrees of alignment and breakage in the whiskers and the texture of the metal matrix were observed, corresponding to different ratios of extrusion. The material also showed marked anisotropy in its mechanical characteristics: its compressive strength in the longitudinal direction was considerably higher than in the transverse direction.