Microstructural characterization and tensile properties of hot pressed Al–SiC composites prepared from pure Al and Cu powders

A conventional hot pressing method was used to produce Al–Cu–SiC particulate metal matrix composites. The matrix alloy was prepared from elemental powders of Al and 5 wt.% Cu. The composite comprises 13.3 or 27.2 vol.% SiCp with an average size of 10 μm. The powder mixtures were hot pressed uniaxially under nitrogen atmosphere. It is shown that Cu aids in the formation of a liquid phase. Practically pore free structures are obtained after pressing at 600°C. Elastic modulus, tensile strength and yield strength values were improved with incorporation of the reinforcement in composites prepared by fine Al powder. The ductility, on the other hand, decreased sharply with increasing amount of strengthening phase.