Effect of matrix strength on the mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg/SiCp composites

The mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg alloy reinforced with SiCP composites prepared by solidification route were studied by altering the matrix stren gth with different heat treatments. With respect to the control alloy, the composites have shown similar ageing behaviour in terms of microhardness da ta at 135 degrees C. It was shown that although composites exhibited enhanc ed modulus values, the strengthening was found to be dependent on the damag e that is occurring during straining. Thus the initial matrix strength play s an important role in determining the strengthening. Consequently, compres sion data had shown a different trend compared to tension. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.