Size effect of SiC particle on microstructures and mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composites

The size effect of SiC particles on microstructures and mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composites produced by spontaneous infiltration technology was investigated. In this study, samples of SiCp/Al composites were fabricated using aluminum alloy ZL101 as the matrix material, and SiC particles with different sizes as reinforcement particles. The microstructures and micro-deformation of the samples were analyzed using optical micrograph, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and WDW-50 respectively. The results show that the SiC particles can distribute uniformly in the aluminum matrix using the proposed method. Examing samples with different SiC particle sizes, the sample with the largest size of particle can significantly decrease the mechanical properties of the composites. Tensile strength of SiCp/Al composite increases along with a decrease in the size of SiC particles, but the ductility of the composites decreases. It was found that an obviously toughness fossa appeared in the fracture surfaces of composites, which indicated it behaviors tearing and plastic deformation characteristics.

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