Effect of Cycle Index on the Microstructural Evolution of Alumina Particles Reinforced Aluminum Composites Treated by Cryogenic Treatment

Abstract

Nanometer Al2O3 particles reinforced Al-Zn-Mg-Cu composites were processed by cryogenic treatment with different cycle index of 1,2 and 3. Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM) was utilized to analyze the microstructural evolution of the treated samples. The results show that with the increase of cycle index the precipitate amount and dislocation density have been increased. The precipitates orientation exhibits some preferred orientation. The high amount of precipitates and dislocation density and preferred orientation of precipitates will benefit to increase the mechanical properties of composites.