Study on in situ reaction-processed Al–Zn/α-Al2O3(p) composites

Zinc oxide and aluminum powders were employed to produce α-Al2O3 particle reinforced Al–Zn alloy matrix composites. The specimens, reaction-processed at different temperatures, were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry. It is shown that a chemical reaction in ZnO/Al system is possible and that composites can be obtained by maintaining the compacts at 1243 K for 60 min. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the reaction in the ZnO/Al system are also discussed.