Enhancing tensile ductility of a particulate-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite by lamination with Mg-9%Li alloy

A laminated metal composite has been made by press bonding alternating layers of a particulate-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC), 6090/SiC/25p, and a highly ductile Mg-9%Li alloy. The mechanical properties including tensile ductility were evaluated for the 50-50 volume fraction laminated composite. The tensile yield strength of the composite obeyed the rule of averages in agreement with other laminates based on aluminum and ultrahigh carbon steel. Lamination of the Al MMC material is shown to increase the tensile ductility from 8.0% to 11.5%. The ductility of the laminated composite was found to be limited by interlayer reaction products developed during processing which led to delamination. Thus necking of the MMC Al layers could occur leading to premature failure.