Structure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with Carbide Particles

Physical and mechanical properties and microstructure of hot-pressed aluminum matrix composites with different contents of hardening particles of B 4 C and SiC are studied. The composites are tested for compressive strength and subjected to metallographic and fractographic analyses. The apparent density, the open porosity and the microhardness of the powder materials are determined. It is shown that the Al + 12.5% B 4 C + 12.5% SiC composite possess the highest resistance to compressive plastic deformation and the highest microhardness. The high fineness of the B 4 C particles provides the highest fragmentation of the grain structure of the aluminum solid solution.