Processing and properties of TiNi shape memory fiber-reinforced 6061 aluminum matrix composite made by spark plasma sintering

Aluminum alloy matrix composite reinforced by continuous TiNi shape memory allow (SMA) fiber was fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process of A1 alloy powder with 20 vol. % of the TiNi SMA fiber, and its microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. The A1 alloy powder with the TiNi fiber was readily consolidated into composite at temperatures between 633K and 873K. The relative packing density of the composite fabricated increased with increasing sintering temperature. Reaction occurred at the boundary between A1 alloy matrix and TiNi fiber and the interfacial reaction is considered to consist of three intermetallic phases, Ni3Ti (next to TiNI), Ni2Ti and Al3Ni (next to A1 matrix). The tensile yield stress of the composite deformed in tension at 373K was higher by about 40MPa than at 293K.