Damping behavior of in situ Al–(graphite, Al4C3) composites produced by reciprocating extrusion

Abstract

The effect of graphite particles on the damping behavior of 6061 Al–graphite composites was investigated with an aim to develop a high damping, stiffness, and hardness material. The composites were processed by mixing 6061 alloy powder with graphite particles, hot pressed as a billet and consolidated by reciprocating extrusion 10 times. The results showed that the graphite particles were greatly refined and niformly distributed in the matrix. The graphite in situ reacted with the Al matrix to orm fine dispersed Al4C3 particles during both reciprocating extrusion and subsequent olution treatment. The Al4C3 phase could result in a pronounced dispersion trengthening effect. The damping capacity of the composite increased with increasing raphite content. The composite showed a peak in damping capacity during aging reatment. The 6061 Al–20% (graphite, Al4C3) composite solution-treated for 24 h and eak-aged displayed an excellent combination of damping capacity, stiffness, and ardness. The composite retained high damping while maintaining a high modulus ecause of the coexistence of graphite and Al4C3. The operative damping mechanisms, ncluding intrinsic damping of graphite particle, interface damping, dislocation amping, and grain boundary damping, are discussed with consideration of material icrostructure.