MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FIBERS USED FOR REINFORCING METALS ANDEVALUATION OF SEEDED SOL-GEL DERIVED ALUMINA-FIBER REINFORCED 1100 ALUMINUM CASTINGS

The properties of a newly developed seeded sol-gel-derived alumina fib re have been evaluated and compared with currently commercially availa ble alumina and pitch-derived carbon fibres of similar modulus. These fibres were wrapped into preforms and pressure infiltration cast to fo rm commercially-pure-aluminium (1100) matrix composites. The manufactu red composites were then flexure and tensile tested to determine their axial and transverse properties. Calculations of the composite streng th based upon the statistical theory of fracture were performed and ar e in good agreement with the experimental results.