Deformation and fracture of Al2O3/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu metal matrix composites at room and elevated temperatures

Al2O3/Al–Zn–Mg–Cu metal matrix composites containing 2.22∼3.08 wt.% Mg in the matrix alloys have been fabricated by squeeze casting. The aim of the present study is to investigate the deformation and fracture behavior of the composites at RT (room temperature) and elevated temperature. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and image analysis were used to examine and to analyze the details of the microstructure and the fracture surface. Tensile tests were utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties from 25 to 400°C. The yield stress (YS) values and UTS values for all the composites were larger than those of monolithic alloys. The UTS values for composites and monolithic alloys increased with increasing Mg content. Elevated temperature tests indicated a good strength retention for the composites; especially, UTS values of the composites showed an improvement of 18% exceeds that of the monolithic alloys from 200 to 300°C. Significant dynamic strain aging occurred for composites; however, recovery and softening remained the dominant process for monolithic alloys in the range 25–300°C.