Influence of microstructure and texture on mechanical properties of aluminium alloy 2124 + 5%SiC particulate composites

Abstract

A study of texture, microstructure, mechanical properties, and crack propagation mechanisms was carried out on aluminium alloy 2124 reinforced with 5 vol.-%SiC particles (3 μm). Three fabrication techniques have been used to produce the composites. composite I wasfabricated by blending followed by hot isostatic pressing. composite II was fabricated by mechanical alloying followed by hot isostatic pressing. composite III wasfabricated by agglomeration of aluminium powder by mechanical alloying followed by blending with SiC and hot isostatic pressing. All three composites were hot rolled to nominally 12.5 mm thick plate. Similar textures were observed for all composites. A model of the observed texture is {001} (211), {111} (211), and {211} (111) for rolling, side, and transverse planes respectively. Composite I showed a homogeneous distribution of SiC particles. Transmission electron micrographs of composite I showed good interface bonding, stacking faults present in SiC particles, and segregation of aluminium, oxygen, copper, and magnesium to the interface. composites II and III showed an inhomogeneous distribution of SiC particles. The elastic modulus was slightly higher in the (211) direction than in the (111) direction. The fracture toughness of composite I was higher in the (211) crack direction whereas that for composite II and composite III was higher in the (111) crack direction. Secondary crack propagation modes follow the crystallographic orientations of {100} and {111} planes.