Strengthening mechanisms of aluminum matrix composite containing Cu-coated SiC particles produced by friction stir processing

ABSTRACT

A friction stir processing (FSP) method has been developed to fabricate a locally reinforced aluminum matrix composite (AMC) by stirring electroless-copper-coated SiC particles into AA6061 matrix. The interfacial bonding between particulate reinforcement and the matrix was enhanced by the copper coating. Effective improvement in hardness and in tensile strengths has been proved. Microstructural investigation and analyses were conducted to correlate the microstructural evidences with the possible strengthening mechanisms. The effect of copper coating on the bonding between SiC particles and Al-matrix; the role of the dispersed Cu debris and the increased Cu content in solid solution on the strengthening; and the effect of friction stir on dislocation density and on the recrystallization behavior were analyzed. Multiple strengthening mechanisms due to diffusion between copper film and matrix; dispersion of fine copper debris and Al-Cu intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the matrix; solid solution due to increased copper content and dislocation punching were four major mechanisms in interpreting the strengthening phenomena in AMC containing copper coated SiC reinforcements.