Mechanical properties of a squeeze-cast 2124 Al composite reinforced with alumina short fibre

Abstract

The tensile, flexural and fracture behaviours of alumina short fibre reinforced 2124 Al alloy produced by squeeze-cast method have been investigated. The composite and unreinforced alloys have been subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures and times. The highest yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and flexural strength values were obtained after solution treatment at 495 degrees C for the unreinforced alloy. The optimum mechanical properties of the composite material were obtained at 525 degrees C owing to better fibre-matrix interfacial bonding. The peak aging heat treatment conditions at which maximum hardness values are obtained do not provide maximum strength values in the composite. Increasing solution treatment temperature caused fibre decohesion from the matrix due to porosity formed at the fibre matrix interface.