Effect of Heat Treatment and Reinforcements on the Mechanical Properties of Closed Cell Al-Cu Alloy Foam

Soheil Abdolkarimzadeha,Nima Movahedia

doi:10.23977/metf.2017.11004

Abstract

In this research work, closed aluminum foams produced by powder metallurgy method, the aging heat treatment was performed on samples to evaluate the effect of copper as an alloying element and TiB2 as reinforcement on the mechanical properties of aluminum foams. The results indicated that, in this alloy foam, TiB2 particles play minor role on the mechanical properties, while the aging heat treatment enhanced the mechanical properties of the foam samples dramatically. In addition, the size of age hardening precipitates was smaller than the external reinforcement.

Highlights

Aluminum foam due to their unique properties has become popular during last decades
Low wettability of reinforcement by matrix, nonhomogeneous distribution within metal matrix and brittleness of composite are some usual problems that will appear by using ceramic particles .the goal of this research is to compare the effect of heat treatment and TiB2 on the mechanical behavior of Al-4.5wt%Cu alloy foams
In onegroup the amount of 1.5 wt% of TiB2 was added to evaluate the effect of reinforcement on the mechanical properties of produced foams (A15C45 sample) and the unreinforced sample (AC45) prepared .In another group the age hardening treatment was performed on the unreinforced sample to investigate the related microstructural and mechanical behavior of cellular structure (HAC45 sample)

Summary

Introduction

Aluminum foam due to their unique properties has become popular during last decades. The high strength to weight ration made this material as an appropriate candidate for automobile application. Closed cell aluminum foams produced by melting and powder metallurgy method. In both routes the distributed foaming agent within the aluminum matrix produce the foam structure with closed cell morphology [1].Different types of reinforcements have been added to the aluminum matrix prior foaming step In order to increase the mechanical properties of closed cell aluminum foams [3,4]. In spite of improving the mechanical properties of aluminum foams, there are some points that should be taken into account during using these additives. Low wettability of reinforcement by matrix, nonhomogeneous distribution within metal matrix and brittleness of composite are some usual problems that will appear by using ceramic particles .the goal of this research is to compare the effect of heat treatment and TiB2 on the mechanical behavior of Al-4.5wt%Cu alloy foams

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion