Interrelationship between matrix microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of discontinuous particulate-reinforced aluminum alloy composites

In this study, silicon carbide particulate (SiCp)-reinforced aluminum alloy -based composites were synthesized using the technique of disintegrated mel t deposition (DMD). Microstructural characterization of the disintegration melt deposition-processed and extruded composite samples revealed minimal p orosity, a near uniform distribution of the reinforcing silicon carbide par ticulates and good interfacial integrity between the reinforcement phase an d the aluminum alloy matrix. Vickers microhardness measurements and tensile testing of the composite samples revealed the existence of a linear relati onship between microhardness and tensile strength. The results are discusse d in light of intrinsic composite microstructural features and the presence and distribution of the particulate reinforcement phase. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.