Processing and interfacial bonding strength of 2014 Al matrix composites reinforced with oxidized SiC particles

The SiC powder with a SiO2 protective layer is used as the reinforcements for 2014 Al/SiCp composites to suppress the reaction between the Al matrix and the SiC particle. 2014 Al/SiCp composites were fabricated by vacuum hot pressing (VHP) and subsequent extrusion using 2014 Al powders and the SiC particles covered with a SiO2 layer. The interfacial product was found to be Mg spinel (MgAl2O4) formed mainly by the chemical reactions of the SiO2 layer covered on SiC particles with the Mg, Al in the 2014 Al alloy matrix. Also the interfacial bonding strength of the composites was investigated using push-out tests of SiC rods with the SiO2 oxidation layer, which were processed within 2014 Al alloy.