Microstructure and properties of mechanical alloying particles reinforced aluminum matrix composites prepared by semisolid stirring pouring method

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with mechanical alloying particles (SiCp) were fabricated by the semisolid stirring pouring method. The influence of mechanical alloying particles and Mg on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated by means of optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction scanning (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results show that the addition of Mg converts the agglomerate mechanical alloying particles in ZL101 matrix composites into dispersed distribution in ZL101-Mg matrix composites, large matrix grains into fine equiaxed matrix grains, and eutectic phase into fine particles. So the mechanical properties of ZL101-Mg matrix composites are better than those of ZL101 matrix composites. The mechanical properties of ZL101/ZL101-Mg matrix composites are gradually increased with the increase of the volume fraction of mechanical alloying particles. When the volume fraction of mechanical alloying particles is 3%, the Vickers hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the ZL101/ZL101-Mg matrix composites reach their maximum values.

Keywords

• mechanical alloying particle; aluminum matrix composites; grain refinement; mechanical properties