INFLUENCE OF SPRAY ATOMIZATION AND DEPOSITION PROCESSING ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL-BEHAVIOR OF AN ALUMINUM-ALLOY METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITE

An aluminium alloy metal matrix discontinuously reinforced with silico n carbide particulates, was synthesized using the spray atomization an d co-deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies we re performed to provide an understanding of the intrinsic effects of c arbide particulate co-injection into the aluminium alloy metal matrix. Results reveal the ageing kinetics to be altered by the reinforcing c eramic particulates. Ambient temperature tensile tests revealed that t he presence of particulate reinforcement in the aluminium alloy metal matrix degrades both strength and ductility. The results obtained are discussed in relation to thermal conditions during spray co-deposition and contributions from reinforcement to intrinsic microstructural eff ects and mechanical response.